Senators want fights of Pacquiao, other boxing champs held in PHL

Senators Manny Villar and Gregorio Honasan on Wednesday filed a resolution urging the Senate to look into the possibility of holding the next matches of Saranggani Rep. Manny Pacquiao and other Filipino boxing champions in the Philippines. The senators said the Senate committees on ways and means and tourism, games, amusement, and sports should look into the possibility of holding the boxing matches of Pacquiao and other Filipino boxing champs in the country to boost tourism In Senate Resolution No. 290, Villar and Honasan said they want to make the Philippines the "Boxing Capital of the World." "Hosting world-class boxing events in the country will generate job opportunities, economic benefits, and encourage an atmosphere of lasting peace and unity among our people," the senators said in the measure. Honasan and Villar said the country can provide tax incentives to fighters and promoters to encourage foreign boxers to challenge Filipino boxing champions. Earlier, House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman likewise suggested that Pacquiao hold his future fights in the country to boost tourism. The Senate had earlier adopted resolutions 271, 272, 274, and 276 to commend Pacquiao for winning the WBC Super Welterweight crown against Mexican Antonio Margarito. The People's Champ Aside from the recent victory over Margarito, Pacquiao had won the World Boxing Council (WBC) Flyweight Champion in 1998-1999; International Boxing Federation (IBF) Super Bantamweight Champion in 2001-2004; RING Featherweight Champion in 2003-2005; WBC and RING Super Featherweight Champion in 2008; and WBC Lightweight Champion, 2008-2009. He is also the current champion of the International Boxing Organization (IBO) and RING Junior Welterweight Champion as well as in the World Boxing Organization, and reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight Champion. Pacquiao’s record in the ring now stands at 57 fights, of which 52 are wins (38 by way of knockout), three losses, and two draws. - VVP, GMANews.TV