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By ADRIAN STEWART CO
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MANILA – In a bid to boost sports tourism in the country, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is hoping to convince Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao to hold a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the Philippines.
In a press statement sent to Panay News, DOT secretary Wanda Teo said that the possibility of a rematch between Pacquiao and Mayweather in the country could be a “knockout in terms of tourist arrivals.”
“Sen. Pacquiao no doubt can help us score a knockout victory in terms of international visitor arrival if he were to fight in the Philippines. Imagine how the world stops to watch it against the backdrop of, let’s say Cebu City,” Teo said.
Teo added that the Tourism department is searching for a potential visitor market for sporting events such as boxing matches, and hopes that a boxing promoter can make the feat happen.
Top Rank Promotions president Bob Arum has earlier said that he is open to the wish of Pacquiao to hold his farewell bout in Manila.
“We could maybe let the people in for free, or give the proceeds to charity and have the fight run on free HBO,” said Arum.
Mayweather and Pacquiao first faced each other on May 3, 2015 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena where the Las Vegas-native ran away with a 118-110, 116-112 and 116-112 unanimous decision win.
The Filipino ring icon is set to return to the boxing ring next month when he faces World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Jessie Vargas at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas./PN
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