FILIPINO boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has signed up with New Jersey-based Gary Shaw, making the American his exclusive promoter in the United States.
Shaw replaced Murad Muhammad, who figured in a court battle with Pacquiao before offering a settlement early this year.
“As a promoter, you always hope to sign a ‘blue chip’ athlete who will win a world title,” said Shaw, who heads Gary Shaw Productions.
“Today, I have signed a ‘platinum chip’ world-class champion whose persona transcends sports and approaches folklore in the Philippines. I feel privileged that Manny has chosen me as his promoter.”
Pacquiao will join undisputed lightweight king Diego Corrales and undisputed super-middleweight king Jeff “Left Hook” Lacy in Shaw’s formidable stable.
Shaw started the Gary Shaw Productions in 2002. A former member of the New Jersey State Athletic Commission from 1971-1998, Shaw used to run Main Events as its chief operating officer for four years before moving on to found his own company.
Shaw’s outfit has promoted or co-promoted notable fights in the last seven years, including: Lennox Lewis versus Mike Tyson; Felix Trinidad versus Fernando Vargas; Jose Luis Castillo versus Diego Corrales; Lewis versus Vitali Klitschko; Tyson versus Clifford Etienne; Tyson versus Danny Williams; Trinidad versus Winky Wright; Shane Mosley versus Wright and Lewis versus David Tua.
“Manny has a superb management team in Shelly Finkel, Nick Khan and Keith Davidson, as well as a Hall-of-Fame caliber trainer in Freddie Roach,” said Shaw.
“I look forward to working together with them and I am truly honored that the team has placed its confidence in me.”
Pacquiao, a former World Boxing Council flyweight and International Boxing Federation superbantam champion, as well as Ring Magazine featherweight king who holds a 39-3-2 (31 KOs) record, will battle Mexican Hector Velazquez, 42-10-2 (31 KOs), in a 12-round bout on Sept. 10, at Staples Center in Los Angeles.
