People are so fascinated with Manny Pacquiao that his presence in an event is believe to bring out a good luck charm.
Yasuo Matsuoka, a Japanese advertising executive who manages world title hopeful Rodel Mayol has sent out an invitation for the boxing star to be at ringside when Mayol aims for the World Boxing Council (WBC) minimumweight crown of Japan-based Thai Eagle Kyowa on May 6 at the Korakuen Hall in Tokyo.
The invitation was relayed to Pacquiao’s associate, Cebu promoter-manager Wakee Salud, who revealed that part of the invitation are first-class tickets plus luxurious hotel accommodations in downtown Tokyo.
“Mr. Matsuoka knows the value and charm of Manny that’s why he wants Manny and me to be there on fight night,” said Salud.
But here lies the problem.
Pacquiao is booked to fly to the States on May 5 to watch the world title fight between Oscar dela Hoya and Ricardo Mayorga at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas the following day and is expected to report at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood for training.
“I would confer with Manny about Matsuoka’s offer,” said Salud from the Queen City. “Mr. Matsuoka is an avid fight fan and Manny’s presence would definitely be a big boost to Mayol’s bid.”
Mayol, the mandatory challenger, has been given a strong chance of dethroning Kyowa owing to his skills and punching power.
Underneath the Kyowa-Mayol headliner is the Orient-Pacific Boxing Federation bantamweight title defense of Malcolm Tu?acao against a fancied Japanese foe.
Pacquiao had actually met with Matsuoka and wife Gina, Mayol and Tu?acao last year in Tokyo and Matsuoka had already extended his invitation to Pacquiao to be at ringside when Mayol finally gets a stab at the title.
