‘Ambassador’ Pacquiao to launch ‘boxing for peace and understanding’

MANILA, Philippines – “Ambassador for peace and understanding" Manny Pacquiao will assist President Arroyo in launching a groundbreaking tournament featuring amateur boxers from the military, police and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. Dubbed as the “Tournament for Peace and Understanding," the competition for non RP team pugilists will coincide with the inauguration of the Philippine Sports Commission-Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines Gym at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex later this month. Pacquiao, recognized as the best fighter in the world today, and the President will be joined in the landmark event by PSC chairman Harry Angping, ABAP chairman Manny V. Pangilinan, ABAP president Ricky Vargas, and dignitaries from the government, private and sports sectors. “The idea for this unique contest was hatched during an affair at the Palace attended by (PSC) Chairman Angping and Manny Pacquiao," ABAP executive director Ed Picson said, referring to the Pacman's courtesy call last week after his victory over Ricky Hatton. “It is designed to foster camaraderie through sports among the military, the police, the MILF and the MNLF. And that instead of fighting it out in the battlefields, they can duke it out in the boxing ring and then embrace each other after the bouts," he added. The tournament calls for each team to have three to six participants, with the competition lasting three to four days and serving as prototype for future nationwide tourneys of the same objective. This will be the first time in boxing history that elements from MNLF and MILF will be invited to participate in a boxing competition along with the military services and the national police. “With the PSC-ABAP gym’s inauguration, the President must have thought it providential to launch a sports event that will promote brotherhood and goodwill among Filipinos," Picson said. Invited to do the blessing for the two-story edifice, complete with a standard-sized ring and air-conditioned living quarters, is Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales. - GMANews.TV