Recently Manny Pacquiao has expressed reservations about fighting again inside the United States. Therefore, his colleagues inside the House of Representatives in the Philippines are hoping that he will consider having his next fight at home.
Reps. Alfredo Benitez, Amado Bagatsing and Giorgidi Aggabao are among the members of the House that support the idea. However, as always seems to be the issue in boxing, money could be the main sticking point.
“It will happen if the price is right,” Benitez stated.
Aggabao says that the Philippine Gaming Corporation may not legally be able to get involved in funding a fight.
“A private initiative would be an excellent option, perhaps a consortium of big time casino operators. I doubt, however, if they will make money given the asking purse of Manny,” Aggabao said.
As has been previously reported on various websites, Manny Pacquiao’s “chief advisor” has claimed that he would prefer that his next fight takes place outside of the United States. Macau, a Chinese gambling resort is among the front-runners to land such a fight. Another possibility would be Singapore. Either would offer Pacquiao significantly larger portions of the purse.
Bob Arum, who would like to see a fifth fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez, agrees that any fight in the United States would take a sizable portion of the earning Pacquaio would make. A $25 million dollar purse could shrink to just $15 million because of the hefty taxes imposed.
Manny Pacquiao, who is currently running for re-election in the province of Saranggani, reportedly would be interested in fighting at home.
“Yes, a fight here is possible and that’s what MP (Pacquiao) wants. The taipans and Pnoy should support the event because it is good for the country,” said Bagatsing.
It will be interesting to see how the money situation will be dealt with. Boxing promoters will certainly follow the money, and if business moguls can perhaps be persuaded to get involved, perhaps that is an option. Bagatsing also wonders if the government might be persuaded to add tax incentives to help make a fight happen. He believes a Pacquiao fight could be held at Pagcor City, helping to promote a new gaming venue currently under construction.
Time will tell if the hurdles can be cleared, allowing for Pacquiao to compete in his home country. One thing is for sure, if it can be done, there are plenty of people who will do whatever it takes to see it happen.
