MANILA, Philippines — The next match of boxing icon and Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao should be held in the Philippines, a fellow lawmaker suggested Tuesday.
“We have a Filipino boxing champion in Manny Pacquiao, why can’t we have a Pacquiao fight here?” Paranaque Representative Gus Tambunting asked at a news conference.
To formalize his proposal, Tambunting filed House Resolution 949 directing the committee on games and amusement of the House of Representatives to “determine the propriety of holding the Pacquiao ? bouts in the Philippines.”
He said the fifth match between Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez should be hosted by the country, adding that Sarangani lawmaker himself supported the idea.
“The Philippines as host venue for international events will not only boost the tourism industry, but will also encourage promotion and investment in the country,” he said.
“The Games and Amusement Board should really look into this, because I think we can,” Tambunting added.
He said the country was able to organize 1975?s ?Thrilla in Manila,? the epic battle for the world heavyweight crown between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
On July 21, 1974, the country also hosted the 23rd Miss Universe pageant at the Folk Arts Theater before a live audience of 10,000.
