MP promotions: More fights in Asia

Philippines’ Manny Pacquiao (R) fights Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse during their world welterweight boxing championship bout at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on July 15, 2018. / AFP PHOTO / Mohd RASFAN

KUALA LUMPUR—Manny Pacquiao said he will continue “giving back” to the sport he loves the most, and he’s going to start in Asia.

Pacquiao donated the boxing equipment used in all the bouts in the “Fight of Champions” card for his promotion here Sunday.

“I talked to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, and I told him that I would like to support and promote boxing here in Malaysia,” said Pacquiao, who dethroned Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse in their WBA welterweight bout.

According to Pacquiao, professional boxing in Asia lags far behind compared to the United States and Latin America.

“The fight was held here because my plan is promote boxing in Asia, to have Asian people watch more big fights live,” said Pacquiao. “I look forward to having and promoting more fights here.”