Manny Pacquiao and giant television network ABS-CBN yesterday signed the contract for the staging of the Filipino ring icon’s fight here against former WBC super bantamweight champion Oscar Larios on July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Sources told The STAR yesterday that the two camps have sealed the deal at the Corregidor Room of the Century Park Sheraton Hotel with ABS-CBN reportedly giving Pacquiao a certain amount to promote the fight in exchange for the right to televise the match here and around the world through its TFC (The Filipino Channel).
In fact, the 10-round fight will be held in the morning so as to be aired at night in the US, Mexico and other parts of the globe.
A June 25 fight date is also being considered but sources said it will most likely be held on July 2.
It was earlier reported that the next Pacquiao fight would be on May 20 but both camps decided to move it to a later date to give more time for its promotion and ensure the successful staging of the event.
The same sources added that negotiations are still underway for the presentor of the boxing festival pitting the best Filipino boxers against the top Mexican boxers. It will feature two four-rounders, two eight-rounders and two 10-rounders.
Expected to join Pacquiao in the local roster are Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista, Jimrex Jaca and Rodel Mayol.
Pacquiao will reportedly get $1 million for the fight while Larios will receive $200,000.
It will be the second biggest boxing fight to be staged at the Big Dome after the classic Ali-Frazier clash in 1975 with Pacquiao hoping to use the event as a tune-up for his much-awaited rubber match with former three-time world champion Erik Morales.
Pacquiao, who lost via decision to Morales the first time they met last year, scored a convincing 10th round technical knockout victory over the Mexican champion in their second face-off.
Morales, who had previously never been stopped in his illustrious career until Pacquiao demolished him last January, decided to use his option for a rubber match with the Filipino southpaw set in September in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao said he hopes to discuss the possibility of renewing a promotional contract with Gary Shaw after the expiration of his two-fight contract with the US promoter.
According to Pacquiao, he has the highest respect for Shaw and had been thankful for his effort in promoting his fights in the US, including against Hector Velasquez and Morales.
