Friday, 07 August 2026 · Philippines
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PACQUIAO, SALUD LEAVE FOR JAPAN TODAY

Columns
A New Crown, the Power of Innovation, and the Eternal Legacy of Sal Sánchez
A New Crown, the Power of Innovation, and the Eternal Legacy of Sal Sánchez
By Mauricio Sulaimán / WBC President / Son of José Sulaimán

A new world champion shook the boxing world on Saturday with a display of courage, valor, …

Pound-for-pound star Manny Pacquiao and the manager of WBA title challenger Eriberto "Yukka" Gejon are slated to fly to Japan today to be at the ringside when the undefeated Filipino boxer challenges WBA 105-lb champ Yutaka Niida this Sunday in Yokohama.

Pacquiao will be joined by Gejon's manager Rex "Wakee" Salud, as well as the latter’s business associates, on a Philippine Airlines flight that departs from Cebu at 7AM straight to Narita International Airport near Tokyo.

Pacquiao, Salud and the rest of the group will be billeted at the Grand Palace Hotel where Gejon is also staying with his trainer Brix Flores and conditioning coach Robert Bubuli.

Joining the group are Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee, former Cebu City Councilor George Rama, GAB Boxing Division chief Emmanuel Flores, Inquirer’s Recah Trinidad, Manila Bulletin’s Nick Giongco, and Ariel Palcuto.

Yesterday, both Gejon and Niida passed the medical examinations required by the WBA at the Daido Hospital in Tokyo, and are scheduled today to meet the press for a media conference and rules meeting for officials who will work the 12-round fight.

Tomorrow, the official weigh-in takes place at the Korakuen Hall starting 3PM.

Columns
A New Crown, the Power of Innovation, and the Eternal Legacy of Sal Sánchez
A New Crown, the Power of Innovation, and the Eternal Legacy of Sal Sánchez
By Mauricio Sulaimán / WBC President / Son of José Sulaimán

A new world champion shook the boxing world on Saturday with a display of courage, valor, …

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