Many island residents may have seen the ads from proponents of Proposal A touting concerts and special events the island will be able to attract if the gambling initiative becomes law next month.
The most recent print and television ads feature Filipino boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao promising to come to Guam if the convention center is built.
The convention center is a part of Prop A, which would legalize a casino at Guam Greyhound. The convention center would seat up to 10,000 people.
E.J. Calvo, Committee For Responsible Gaming chairman, said the boxer was paid $500 for the ad, a paltry fee compared to the tens of thousands he usually commands for appearances.
Calvo, who made the connection with the boxer through a relationship his uncle Jerry Calvo has with Pacquiao’s manager, said while Pacquiao waived most of his fees, Guam Greyhound had to agree to provide the Manny Pacquiao Foundation with space for an annual event free of charge.
The foundation has stations around Asia and raises money to help active and retired Filipino boxers with pensions and scholarships for their children, according to Philboxing.com.
Calvo said the boxer told him that Pacquiao would hold a five-round exhibition match as a fundraiser when a convention center was built.
