Manny Pacquiao has been replaced as the captain of the Philippines team in Physical: Asia by Justin Hernandez after the professional boxer had to leave the competition.
The series is a spinoff of the wildly popular Physical: 100, and pits eight teams of athletes against each other to win one billion Korean won ($700,000). Not only that, but the winning team will also have eternal bragging rights.
Physical Asia Parts 1 and 2 have already dropped on Netflix, and Parts 3 and 4 will release throughout November.
Pacquiao led Team Philippines for the first five episodes of Physical: Asia, before stepping down as team captain – here’s what we know about his departure and his replacement, Justin Hernandez.
Who is Justin Hernandez?
Hernandez is a four-times CrossFit Open National champion, is the Philippines’ first male CrossFit Games athlete, and has posted on his Instagram page about competing in Hyrox competitions.
In Physical: Asia, Hernandez explained that he used to do bodybuilding and he also does triathlons, which means he has the strength and endurance that Team Philippines needs to stay in the competition.
He immediately impressed the other contestants, with Team Korea’s Kim Min-jae saying, “That guy’s ripped, just look at him,” and his fellow Korea teammate Kim Dong-hyun adding, “He’s got a pretty solid physique all around.”
Hernandez faced off against Team Australia and Team Korea in the Sack Toss match at the end of Episode 6, but the audience was left with a cliffhanger as to who was going to be knocked out. The results will be revealed in Episode 7 when Part 3 is released.
Why did Manny Pacquiao leave Physical: Asia?
Pacquiao announced his departure from the tournament in Physical: Asia Episode 5, explaining that he had to return home because of another commitment, although he didn’t clarify what it was.
“I wanted to take a moment and apologize to everyone, I have to leave the competition and return to the Philippines because of another obligation in my home country,” he said towards the end of the episode.
“Also I just want to apologize to my team. We came here with one goal: to show the capacity and capability of Team Philippines. I really wanted to win the challenges, and I’m just wondering what we’re gonna do for the next challenge. That’s been my mindset, you know? Just keep on going, no matter what.”
“I’m disappointed, but I’m happy to be part of this season. As team captain I was really proud to have an opportunity to represent the Philippines,” he continued.
“Team Philippines are hard warriors because my people, the Filipino people, are born with the ability to overcome any challenge, no matter what. The Philippines are strong. Deep in my heart, in mind, praying for you now. We can overcome anything and achieve victory.”
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