by Ronnie Nathanielsz
Manny Pacquiao’s adviser, Michael Koncz, says “things are going great” in terms of the congressman’s business trip to Malaysia along with a small delegation that includes Ilocos Sur governor/confidant Luis “Chavit” Singson.
Pacquiao met with infrastructure conglomerate AlloyMtd Group chief Executive Datuk Dr. Azmil Khalid on Wednesday in Kuala Lumpur .
Dr. Khalid is also chairman of the Malaysian-Philippine Business Council and had personally invited Pacquiao to Malaysia.
In an interview with Fadhli Ishak of the New Straits Times, Pacquiao - who is expected to face the winner of this weekend’s clash between Juan Manuel Marquez and Mike “Mile High” Alvarado - said more needs to be done to develop Asian talent if the region is to produce more fighters of his caliber in the future.
The eight division world champion noted that there is an abundance of talent in Asia waiting to be tapped but requires support to help develop world class fighters.
Pacquiao was quoted saying “We have a lot of good talent in Asia, especially in our country the (Philippines) where there are a lot of young ones who can do the country proud. What we need to do is give them the help and support they need to develop. Fighters need to have good coaches, trainers and facilities. It is also important to educate them about what it takes to be a good boxer and how a boxer’s life
should be. They also need to be encouraged and inspired.”
Pacquiao, who regained his WBO crown with a dominating performance in a rematch with Timothy “Desert Storm” Bradley, turned pro at the age of 16 and didn’t have an opportunity to compete in international tournaments such as the Asian Games and the Olympics. He stressed “ My advice to those hoping to make it is to love their job, focus, believe in God and most importantly stay disciplined.”
Pacquiao and his delegation is also reportedly visiting Indonesia to meet with business leaders in Jakarta.
