Filipino boxer and reigning WBC international super featherweight champion Manny Pacquiao has signed up as the newest talent of television network GMA-7.
Pacquiao took time off from his training for his upcoming fight with Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera and flew from his camp in Cebu to GMA-7 in Quezon City to sign his exclusive contract with the network.
“Pwede naman akong comedy or in action or drama. Kakanta rin (I can do comedy or action or drama. I can also sing),” said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Barrerra at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas on October 6.
The fight had been under negotiation for several months but failed to push through because of some legal issues between Top Rank, Pacquiao’s current management and promoter, and Golden Boy Promotions, which is Barrera’s handler.
In 2006, Pacquiao signed up a seven-fight deal with Golden Boy but later decided to jump ship and go to Top Rank. In response, Golden Boy Promotions sued Pacquiao for contract breaches.
On June 29, Top Rank and Golden Boy announced that they had settled all legal obstacles and the rematch between Pacquiao and Barrera is pushing through.
The rematch between Pacquiao and Barrera is long-awaited by both fighters’ fans. Boxing pundits said Pacquiao’s career as a worldwide boxing superstar began after he defeated Barrera on Nov. 7, 2003.
In that fight, Pacquiao knocked down Barrera several times, overwhelming the Mexican with lightning handspeed and powerful punches. Barrera went down a final time in the 11th round and his corner threw in the towel. Pacquiao won by technical knockout.
