SHOULD Manny Pacquiao want to relive his early ring successes, he might just lease an office space for his planned boxing promotions outfit at a building overlooking the city hall of Mandaluyong, where he won his first major championship eight years ago.
Jimmy Narvaez, whom Pacquiao has tapped as his company’s official matchmaker, said Tuesday he suggested to the boxer a 50-square-meter office, which rents for P15,000 a month, for the promotions firm.
Narvaez said he has reserved two rooms in the commercial building owned by a former councilor of Mandaluyong City.
“The office in Mandaluyong looks good. I’m sure Manny will love it and I hope he approves to house his outfit there,” Narvaez said.
Early in his career, Pacquiao fought seven times in Manda?luyong City, the last when won the vacant Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation flyweight title by knocking out Chokchai Chockvivat of Thailand in the fifth round on June 26, 1997.
Pacquiao, whose latest project is a joint venture with veteran Cebuano boxing manager Rex “Wakee” Salud, reputedly will release an initial P1.5 million for the company modeled after the Golden Boy Promotions of former world champion Oscar De La Hoya.
According to a source, Pacquiao wants to stage his first boxing event next month in Malabon City, where his first manager, Polding Correa, lives.
Pacquiao and Mayor Tito Oreta of Malabon City will split the P1-million budget for the boxing event, the source said.
But the event might be put on hold since “PacMan” plans to fly to the United States on August 1 to begin training for his tuneup fight against Mexican Hector Velasquez on September 10 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
But before he leaves, Pacquiao is also busy in the shooting of his latest movie Lisensiyadong Kamao.
