By Ronnie Nathanielsz

THE new rules adopted by the Nevada State Athletic Commission and other boxing bodies in the United States on the size and weight of gloves used in pro fights won’t affect Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao.

Fans expressed concern over a claim by Games and Amusements Board chairman Eric Buhain that Pacquiao will have to wear heavier 10-ounce gloves for his rubber match against legendary Mexican Erik Morales at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Nov. 18 based on new rules by the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

But the rules on the use of 10-ounce gloves covers only fights from the 135-pound lightweight division upwards. Pacquiao’s fight with Morales is at 130 lb and the fighters will be allowed to wear the usual eight ounce gloves.

The Nevada State Athletic Commission, in an effort to tighten safety measures, adopted the new rules governing the size of gloves. In the past, fights at 147 lb and below were allowed to use the lighter eight ounce gloves. Now, it only covers weight divisions below 135 lb.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao has expanded his diverse business investments by buying the historic L&M Gym along narrow Paquita Street in Sampaloc, where he trained for years before becoming world flyweight champion and later International Boxing Federation junior featherweight king.

The gym, which is regarded as an ideal sweatshop for aspiring fighters, has served as home to several champions both past and present with Pacquiao by far its most illustrious product.

The deal was reportedly consummated during the opening of Pacquiao’s Knockout Bar & Grill along the Baywalk in Manila. Pacquiao had earlier visited the gym, bought lunch for the boxers, trainers and handlers at the venue and later distributed money to those who were there.

Well known boxing analyst Moy Lainez said Pacquiao had made a down payment of P500,000 to gym owner Lito Mondejar, one of the members of the original Team Pacquiao along with Lainez and Rod Nazario, Pacquiao’s former business manager.