LOPEZ-LED ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. yesterday said a deal to broadcast boxer Emmanuel “Manny” D. Pacquiao?s next fights won?t run afoul with the latter?s contract with rival GMA Network, Inc.
In a statement, ABS-CBN also denied claims that Mr. Pacquiao?s transfer came with assurances it would help publicize the boxing champion?s bid for a congressional seat next year.
ABS-CBN said Mr. Pacquaio?s fight with England?s Ricky Hatton in May and future bouts are not considered “programs.”
Mr. Pacquiao had been a GMA Network talent, and under his contract with the broadcast firm, he is prohibited from appearing on “any television program, show, promotion, or event of any other broadcast media entity other than GMA and its subsidiaries and affiliates without the written consent of GMA.”
But ABS-CBN said “Manny?s fights are not programs, shows, promotion, or events of ABS-CBN. As the media partner of Manny Pacquiao, the … network will only be airing Pacquiao?s boxing matches that will [be] produced by [promoter] Top Rank.”
Mr. Pacquaio?s fights had been broadcast by GMA Network but through a blocktimer, Solar Entertainment Corp. of businessmenWilliam and Wilson Tieng.
Early this week, Mr. Pacquiao ditched his broadcast deal with Solar Entertainment, announcing his return to ABS-CBN in the network?s primetime newscast.
ABS-CBN said: “We understand GMA-7?s disappointment about the decision of Manny Pacquiao to have ABS-CBN as its media partner, but it should avoid making thinly veiled accusations based on a columnist?s speculation. It alleges that ABS-CBN?s supremacy in reach is to be used for Manny Pacquiao?s political plans ? which is not true.”
ABS-CBN was referring to a recent newspaper column which said that “The network (ABS-CBN) is said to have offered Manny full media support in the next election to ensure victory in next year?s congressional election.”
Spokesman Ramon R. Osorio said Mr. Pacquiao, a four-weight world champion, was the one who approached ABS-CBN and filed a letter of intent.
No agreements have been signed, but Mr. Osorio said Mr. Pacquiao?s media announcement of his intention to have ABS-CBN air his fights was “already binding in itself.”
Last Thursday, GMA Network said it was “very disappointed” with the decision of Mr. Pacquiao to switch to ABS-CBN and that the boxer?s television programs would have to be reviewed.
ABS-CBN shares closed P1 higher at P15 apiece yesterday. GMA Network moved five centavos up to P3.70.
