LOS ANGELES?Calling it a career-defining move, People?s Champion Manny Pacquiao signed a two-year management deal with famed manager Shelly Finkel and renowned attorneys Keith Davidson and Nicholas Khan Tuesday here.
Signing a new management contract before California State Athletic Commissioner Dean Lohaus, Pacquiao said that he has thought about signing his new team a hundred times and that it has been the best decision of his life.
Pacquiao, 26, now for the first time feels as if he is in control of his destiny and with Freddie Roach at his side, everything has been laid out in order.
?With a competent team at my side, now I can concentrate on just fighting. I trust my new team and that is very important,? said Pacquiao.
Finkel and Khan flew to New York City Wednesday to meet with HBO honchos Kerry Davis and Mark Taffert, assuring that Pacquiao?s historic and first pay-per-view fight with Erik Morales will push through on March 19 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.
?Manny is the most exciting fighter in the world today. It is for that reason that networks around the world and boxing fans demand to see Pacquiao in premier matchups,? said Finkel.
?HBO stated that their only loyalty is to their viewing public and both Taffert and Davis welcomed and acknowledged the new management team,? added Finkel.
In an exclusive interview, Pacquiao reiterated to his fans that his desire to seek greatness has never been stronger.
?My only concern right now is to prepare well against Erik Morales and I ask my fans and fellow Filipinos to continue to pray for my success,? said Pacquiao.
Roach was equally happy about Pacquiao?s decision to move with Finkel, the man who helped steer the careers of Mike Tyson and Vitaly Klitschko, among others.
?I have treated Manny like a son and now, there will be no distractions. All we need to do is concentrate and map out a plan to beat Morales and put Manny to a higher level,? said Roach.
