HOLLYWOOD–More juicy international endorsement deals worth millions of dollars are coming Manny Pacquiao’s way this year.
According to boxing promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud, a close friend and confidant of Pacquiao, two international creative agencies have approached him and submitted proposals to enlist the Filipino ring icon as an advertising talent.
If the deals push through, Pacquiao would easily earn more than the amount shelled out by Nike last year to get him into its roster of international endorsers.
Salud said the clients of the two agencies include such renowned personalities as actors Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis, football superstar David Beckham and Boxer of the Year Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“Pag natuloy ang mga ito, mas malaki pa sa deal sa Nike (If these push through, it would be bigger than the Nike deal,” said Salud, who arrived here Saturday night with Pacquiao’s brother Rogel.
Back home, Pacquiao also endorses San Miguel Corp. products, Alaxan and Extreme Magic Sing. Pacquiao is also a GMA Network talent.
Salud said the promo deals would not necessarily dwell on Pacquiao’s fight career.
The Cebu-based promoter also said that politicians and personalities are starting to hit town to watch Pacquiao’s March 15 rematch with Mexican champ Juan Manuel Marquez for the World Boxing Council super featherweight crown at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.
Among them are House Speaker Prospero Nograles, Rep. Monico Puentevella, Philippine Tourism Authority head Robert Dean Barbers, former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson and former Surigao congressman Prospero “Butch” Pichay.
Former Sen. Robert Jaworski is already here as part of the PBA Legends Tour slated in key United States cities.
