One of the sport's biggest names Manny Pacquiao is trying to set up roots in China. The Filipino boxer was recently in Beijing to try and establish a string og boxing academies in the country. The idea is to help grow the sport here and provide opportunities to Chinese youth.
He'sknown as Pac-Man, the Nation's Fist, and the Fighting Pride of the Philippines, but Manny Pacquiao is also a tireless global ambassador for the sport of boxing, which he proves with his latest endeavour in China.
Pacquiao acknowledges the vast potential of this nation's athletes, and is eager to play a part in the development of the sweet science by opening world class training centers with state of the art technology, providing a top level platform for Chinese boxers to excel, with an institution already been open in Hong Kong, and plans for 16 more in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Pacquiao spoke about the ability of boxing to bring people together, regardless of their nationality or background. The champ will come to the country and teach at the academy in order to share his vast experience through first hand training of young pugilists.
On November 22nd, in Macao, Pacquiao will put his WBO Welterweight belt on the line against 30 year-old American Chris Algieri, who poses a significant threat, as he is younger, bigger, and has a five-inch reach advantage over the 35 year-old. When asked on his thoughts on the fight, Pac-Man was quietly confident.
But one thing we can predict, is that with the involvement of Manny Pacquiao in the development of boxing in the world's most populous nation, Chinese fighters have a bright future.