Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao
will launch a national boxing program, the Manny Pacquiao national
championships, aimed at discovering potential boxing champions all over the
country.
Pacquiao, who was re-elected
congressman of Sarangani province during the May 13 elections, is reportedly
keen on launching the program to help tap young talents from the countryside as
part of his continuing outreach efforts.
Former North Cotabato Gov.
Emmanuel Piñol said a monthly boxing tourney will be held in Metro Manila,
featuring fighters from eight boxing clubs in the country who will compete in
eight weight categories.
The matches, according to
Piñol, are to be aired weekly by a major television network with Pacquiao
himself hosting the event, organized with support from Raymundo “Jeff” de
Guzman.
Negotiations are now
reportedly underway among Pacquiao’s camp with the management of the Solaire
Resort & Casino, the possible venue of the tournaments, and GMA television
network, which is to air the sports show.
Winners in Pacquiao’s boxing
show shall be awarded with a Manny Pacquiao Trophy and a cash grant of P100,000
each.
Only fighters who have not won
national, regional or world titles, not over 28 years of age, can participate
in the tournament, Piñol said.
The Pacquiao boxing matches
are expected to be launched by the last week of July with Pacquiao himself
hosting the show at ringside, Piñol said. (Source)
