Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is interested in holding an MP Promotions event in Dubai after he recognised the rich potential of the sport there during his recent visit, according to Round 10 Boxing Club owner Ahmed Abdulmagied Seddiqi.
The eight-weight world champion, 36, brought the UAE to a standstill last week as he enjoyed a successful maiden trip.
This included heading into the Al Quoz establishment, for his only venture into a dedicated gym while in the Emirates.
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Pacquiao is currently preparing to announce the identity of his next opponent in late December, with Dubai a potential destination for what is expected to be the final professional fight of a celebrated career on April 9, 2016.
Away from putting on the gloves himself, ‘Pac-Man’s’ MP Promotions venture hosts events for other Filipino fighters and this could see him involved in Dubai once again next year.
“He was here for around 20 minutes on Friday,” Seddiqi said. “He was surprised there was a proper boxing gym in Dubai.
"He was surprised we have real fighters who exist here. He was asking about all that stuff – how many fighters we have, how the promotion works etc.
“I informed him our fighters fight on the undercard of some Filipino promoters. We asked him to come, as he has his promotional company.
“We gave the figures to him to get his promotional company to come to Dubai. From what I believe and heard from his business manager, then they are interested in hosting events in Dubai.
“This wouldn’t involve him fighting, but it would be MP Promotions.
“They asked me when would be the best time to hold such an event and I will be communicating with them. Dubai has the second-biggest community of (expat) Filipinos behind America, so it is a good place for them to have an event here under his name. From my side, I would push it for next year if the communication with his team goes well.”
MP Promotions have an agreement with Top Rank Promotions until December 2016 for fights involving Pacquiao. Away from this, the company holds events for other fighters such as November 13’s International Boxing Federation (IBF) youth super flyweight championship bout between Aston Palicte and Vergilio Silvano in his home country.
Filipino fight nights have occured in recent years in the UAE, including August’s Duel in Dubai 2 Pinoy Pride 32 at the World Trade Centre.
Round 10 has become a hub for pugilists since it opened two years ago, with a face familiar to Pacquiao in residence as one of the five fighters Seddiqi manages, Larry Abarra.
Seddiqi said: “He used to be in Pacquaio’s camp as a helper back in the days when he trained in the Philippines, it was nice he remembered him.
“We hope to see the support coming from Pacquiao for Larry and the others. It was so nice for him to consider passing by the gym.
“He asked for no financial incentive to come.
“It was more of a boxing thing, he couldn’t visit Dubai without passing by a boxing gym.”
