MANILA, Philippines - Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao confirmed on Wednesday that he will help the Chinese government in developing its professional boxers.
In a phone-patch interview with Mornings@ANC, Pacquiao said he has already met with his Chinese partners for the plan to establish a boxing training academy in various places in China.
The eight-division world champion said the training academy will be named the Manny Pacquiao Boxing Education Institute.
"I will share my knowledge on boxing," Pacquiao told ANC in a mix of English and Filipino.
According to a report by state-run China Central Television, Pacquiao's training institution has already been opened in Hong Kong and 16 more will be set up in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
The report said Pacquiao will share his vast experience to young Chinese boxers through first hand training.
"Pacquiao acknowledges the vast potential of the nation's athletes and is eager to play a part in the development of boxing by opening world class training centers with state of the art technology, providing a top level platform for Chinese boxers to excel," the report said.
In the ANC interview, Pacquiao said there are a lot of boxers in China but they still need to develop their basic skills.
"They can produce a good fighter like other champions," Pacquiao said.
Asked why he chose China over his homeland, the fighting congressman said he is already helping some Filipino boxers.
Pacquiao added that the Philippines has no problems in developing its boxers. He admitted, however, that some young Filipino fighters still need support.
He also believes that his new endeavor would help heal the strained ties between the Philippines and China over their territorial disputes.
"Pacquiao said boxing has the ability to bring people together, regardless of their nationality or background," China Central Television said in a report.