NASUGBU, Batangas — Two renowned combat sports organizations have made their respective pitches to help in promoting Manny Pacquiao’s next fight.
One Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong was the first to publicly make his intent on Tuesday, saying that he would want Pacquiao’s first defense of his WBA regular welterweight championship, tentatively scheduled for early 2019, to be held at a One event.
“Manny, congratulations. I’m amazed by your legendary career. Let’s join hands. Let’s give the Filipino fans what they want. Let’s do an all-Filipino heroes mega card. Let’s blast out to the whole world. Manny Pacquiao, please. I invite you to compete in One Championship,” said Sityodtong.
The eight-division world champion actually holds a stake in the MMA outfit, which has started to hold kickboxing events through the One Super Series and will soon host a boxing card.
Then on Thursday, Ringstar Boxing CEO Scott Farrell made his own collaboration offer, even proposing that the proceeds of the match will be given to the charity foundation that Manny and his wife, Jinkee, had put up.
“I would like to bring the ‘Thrilla’ back to Manila, like it was back in 1975, with Muhammad Ali. I want to give the people of the Philippines the chance to watch their own hero and boxing legend, Senator Manny Pacquiao defend his belt or fight for another world title on his home ground. Let’s make this even bigger and more productive and donate all ticket sales to the Manny & Jinkee Foundation and really make everything about his fight a positive step forward, not only for the sport, but also for the people of the Philippines,” said Farrell. “Come on, MP Promotions. Let’s sit down and discuss something truly incredible and very achievable.”
The current senator knocked out Lucas Matthysse almost two weeks to become the new WBA welterweight champ. (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)
