‘Next Pacquiao fight should be in Manila’

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmaker colleagues of world boxing icon and Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao said yesterday his next fight should be held in Manila.

Parañaque City Rep. Gustavo Tambunting filed House Resolution 949 directing the House committee on games and amusement “to determine the propriety of holding the Pacquiao fights in the Philippines.”

“We have a Filipino boxing champion in Manny Pacquiao, why can’t we have a Pacquiao fight here?” Tambunting told reporters.

“The Philippines as host venue for international events will not only boost the tourism industry, but will also encourage promotion and investment in the country,” he said.

He said the planned 5th match between Pacquiao and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez should be hosted by the country.

Valenzuela City Rep. Magtanggol Gunigundo backed the proposal, saying that while Pacquiao still likely has many fights ahead, he’s not getting any younger.

“It could be many, many years that we could have another Pacquiao, so we must have the next fight here,” Gunigundo said.

Tambunting in his resolution said the country was able to organize the “Thrilla in Manila,” the epic battle for the world heavyweight crown between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City in 1975.       

The Philippines also hosted twice the Miss Universe pageant, he said.

Earlier, Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga said if a small region like Macau can host a Pacquiao fight, “there is no reason why the Philippines can not do it.”