Manny Pacquiao’s next fight in One Championship? Asian MMA outfit wants to bring Filipino back home in boxing raid
Singapore-based MMA organisation is expanding its presence across all combat sports as Philippines boxing legend looks for his next fight
Two weeks ago Chatri announced One had signed on to co-promote Thailand’s WBC world super flyweight champion Srisaket Sor Rungvisai and the organisation would be chasing a similar co-promotion deal with Pacquiao, who is currently handled by his own MP Promotions.
“We could gather all of the heroes the Philippines have on a mega card and blast it out to the whole world,” Chatri said.
Pacquiao revealed after his latest win that he fancies another go-around with Mayweather – and no doubt the huge purse it would generate – has since said he wants his next bout to be on December 2.
“Why not? Hong Kong is part of China and we are trying to promote boxing in China. And we’ve been to Macau in the past so it’s possible,” he said.
While a host of Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern countries are apparently now clamouring for a contract with Pacquiao, Chatri wants the fighter to be part of one of his organisation’s regular blockbuster cards, held inside Manila’s impressive Mall of Asia Arena.
“What we want to showcase is all combat sports, and we want to get multiple division champions across all disciplines,” Chatri said. “We want to give the Filipino fans what they want.”
Chatri threw the call out to Pacquiao during a press event for his organisation’s One: Reign of Kings card to be held in Manila on Friday night. It’s being headlined by a bout between two division champion Martin “The Situ-Asian” Nguyen (11-2) who will meet Kevin “The Silencer” Belington (18-5) of the Philippines for One’s interim world bantamweight title.