Manny Pacquiao says Asian fighters need greater support and more discipline to become world-beaters.
The 35-year-old Filipino superstar has told Malaysia’s New Straits Times: “Fighters need to have good coaches, trainers and facilities. It is also important to educate them about what it takes to be a good boxer and how a boxer’s life should be.
“To become a professional is not easy. My advice to those hoping to make it is to love their job, focus, believe in God and, most importantly, stay disciplined.”
Pacquiao, who is also a congressman in the Philippines, was in Malaysia with a business delegation from the archipelago.
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, he said there was a lot of good talent in Asia, especially in the Philippines ?where there are a lot of young ones who can do the country proud”.
Pacquiao, who defeated American Timothy Bradley by unanimous decision in Nevada last month to avenge his 2012 defeat, said Asian fighters should toughen up mentally.
“I did not have a lot of chances to fight as an amateur in Asia. I had already turned pro when I was 16 so I did not get to compete in competitions such as the Asian Games or even the Olympics,” he said.
Pacquiao has fought professionally for nearly two decades and last month reclaimed the WBO welterweight title.
