Eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao has continued to grow in his political career.
It was announced that Pacquiao will be appointed as a Seoul global ambassador for his leading role in enhancing the relationship and exchanges between South Korea and the Philippines, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday.
Pacquiao, who is currently a senator in his country, will visit Seoul City Hall to meet with Mayor Park Won-soon, who will present him with the formal appointment in a ceremony scheduled to take place around noon, the city government said in a statement.
Seoul has made renowned foreign professionals global ambassadors as part of efforts to diversify and strengthen bilateral cooperation with key cities around the world.
In June, the city appointed Russian maestro and opera director Valery Gergiev as a global ambassador.
"Senator Pacquiao is the boxing legend of Asia," the city government said in the release. "Coming from a childhood of limited means, he is also known as the king of donations for the fortune he contributes every year to help better the lives of the poor in his community."
Pacquiao, 39, has won 11 major world titles in a career that began in 1995. He is the only fighter in the history of boxing to have won titles in eight weight divisions, including flyweight, featherweight, lightweight, welterweight and even junior middleweight.
IN OTHER NEWS: Standout amateur prospect Martin McDonagh is set to turn professional in the new year after signing a management deal with MTK Global.
The 22-year-old light-welterweight, an Elite ABA finalist, wore an amateur vest for the last time earlier this month when representing England and he now bids to kick-start a promising career in the paid ranks.
A native of Kent, McDonagh trains out of Rumbles Gym in Sittingbourne under coach Billy Rumble.
The GB Elite Three Nations gold medallist pushed world-ranked Luke McCormack all the way in the English Elite finals last April. However, the tricky southpaw believes he is now ready to make his mark in the pro game.