BOXING superstar Manny Pacquiao is far from being a spent force but believes that more needs to be done to develop talent in Asia if the region is to produce more fighters of his calibre in the future.
Pacquiao, a 10-time world title winner in a record eight weight divisions, said there is an abundance of talent waiting to be tapped in the region but translating those numbers into world-class fighters requires much support.
“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,” said the 35-year-old, when met in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
“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 defeated American Timothy Bradley by unanimous decision to take the WBO welterweight title in Nevada last month, added that fighters hoping to make the grade professionally also need to toughen up mentally.
“I did not have a lot of chances to fight as an amateur in Asia. I had already turned pro when I was 16 so I did not get to compete in competitions such as the Asian Games or even the Olympics.
“To become a professional is not easy. Compared to amateur boxing, there is no headguard and the gloves are also smaller.
“My advice to those hoping to make it is to love their job, focus, believe in God and most importantly stay disciplined.”
The fighter will next face either Mexican four-division world champion Juan Manual Marquez or American Mike Alvarado, who will face on Saturday. The winner of the bout will be the mandatory challenger to the Filipino.
Pacquiao, who is also a congressman in the Philippines, was in Kuala Lumpur with a business delegation which included former governor of Illocos Sur, Chavit Singson to explore business potential with infrastructure conglomerate AlloyMtd Group.
The group’s chief executive Datuk Dr. Azmil Khalid, who is also the chairman of the Malaysia-Philippines Business Council, had personally invited him to Kuala Lumpur. By Fadhli Ishak
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