THE PHILIPPINE Sports Commission yesterday approved the request of the Manny Pacquiao Promotions to use the sports agency?s training camp in Baguio for the Filipino fighter?s preparation for a 12-round clash against Oscar Larios on July 2.
“Okay na ang mga facilities doon. We?re just waiting to coordinate with ABAP para ayos na lahat,” said PSC executive director Guillermo Iroy. “It?s Manny?s campaign for the country so the PSC will do its best to support him.”
The Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) had earlier offered its training camp, adding that its amateur boxers will be transferred to Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Vito Cruz, Manila to give way to Pacquiao.
Amateur fighters are prohibited to mix it up with their professional counterparts.
Besides, the training of Pacquiao and his American trainor Freddie Roach will be held from June 1-26. The two, however, will stay at a property owned by San Miguel Corporation.
Pacquiao?s fight with Larios is scheduled at the Araneta Coliseum and is expected to draw big crowds.
In the same meeting, the board affirmed is stand on the “no liquidation, no financial assistance” policy following the request of Philippine Track and Field Association (PATAFA) for financial funding for the coming National Invitational Track Open slated on May 1 ? 4.
The government sports agency remained firm on its policy not to give financial assistance to Patafaunless it settles its R1.4 million unliquidated expenses.
Iroy, however, clarified that “it applies to all national sports associations and it is the decision of the majority of the board and not on Chairman [Butch] Ramirez alone.”
Patafa was reportedly seeking R1.4 million financial support for the staging of the said tournament but its request was turned down.
