PM wants to bring in Pacquiao

By PARKER TAMBUA
PRIME Minister James Marape says he will invite one of the world’s top boxers in Manny Pacquiao to Papua New Guinea next year to officiate a professional fight hosted by Oceania Fight Promotions.
Marape made the statement after Philippine Ambassador Bienvenido Tejano shared the same interest of bringing the former lightweight world champion to the country.
Marape, Tejano and representatives from the Indonesian and Thai embassies attended a boxing event at the Sir John Guise Stadium Indoor Complex in Port Moresby on Sunday.
Marape said his government was committed to support sports in the country and that he wanted use boxing to promote PNG fighters in the Asian market.
“We want to see boxing at the top level,” he said.
“Next year, we are going to bring Manny Pacquiao to the country.
“We will create a pathway for our boxers to secure big fights in the Asia-Pacific region with fighters from the Philipines, Thailand and other countries.
“I thank the World Boxing Council for stepping in to support Oceania Fight Promotions with (patrons) Ben Micah, Maryanne Millie and Martin Beni.
“Our legend Martin Beni and late John Aba fought amongst the best 40 years ago.
“Those were the stories we grew up and heard about years ago.
“I want to see a world champion boxer from PNG.”
Tejano also said he wanted to see more of international professional fights in the region.
He confirmed that his countryman and boxing great Manny Pacquiao would visit PNG next year.