Philippine Sports News and Updates

MANILA, Philippines – Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao obviously enjoyed his first appearance on the American late-night show “Jimmy Kimmel Live” last November that he decided to make a second visit Wednesday night in the US.

Clad in a red leather jacket, Pacquiao chatted with the show's host Kimmel about various topics like his upcoming fight with Joshua Clottey, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and his political plans in the Philippines.

Even before Kimmel was able to start asking questions, the Pinoy-dominated audience started chanting “Manny, Manny, Manny…”

“Fans are very confident that I’ll win the fight [against Clottey],” said the Filipino champ. “But for me, nobody knows.”

“He’s a former champion so I don’t underestimate [Clottey],” he added.

The Filipino boxing hero will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title against the Ghanaian fighter on March 13.

Pacquiao, who is vying for a congressional seat in Sarangani Province, also said that he’s not yet sure if he will continue fighting if he wins in the coming election.

“It’s hard to decide right now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao, the first boxer to win world titles in 7 weight classes, also explained why he did not give in to Mayweather’s demand for an Olympic-style drug testing.

“I agreed to a blood test but not close to the fight. That would be [in] his advantage because he’s bigger than me,” he said.

The Filipino champ said Mayweather could be using the demand as an excuse not to fight him.

“I think he’s not ready for the fight. The job of the fighter is to train hard and fight in the ring. You do not need to change the rules because there’s the Nevada Athletic Commission to implement the rules,” added

Pacquiao.

He added that he still wants to fight Mayweather, should the former pound-for-pound king relent on his demand.

“I’m open to fight anybody,” said Pacquiao, after which the crowed roared in approval.

When Pacquiao assured that he’s working hard  for the Clottey fight, Kimmel asked the boxing champ if he trained shortly before the show.

“I trained today and I trained how to sing here,” said the boxer, who went on laughing with the crowd.

Kimmel then joked about Pacquiao joining the popular talent show American Idol.

“If they don’t like you, beat the crap out of them. Simon [Cowell]… everybody,” said the talk show host, who sent the boxer to a burst of laughter.

Later after the interview, Pacquiao sang George Benson’s song “Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love for You” while the Filipino crowd swayed their hands with the tune.

After his rendition, the crowd went chanting again, "Manny, Manny, Manny..."

• ABS-CBN News
• Philippine Sports Central