Filtered By: Sports
Sports

GMA-7 inks deal to air Pacquiao-Horn fight


GMA Network Inc. inked a partnership with ALV Events International on Thursday for the airing of the upcoming fight of eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao and Jeff Horn.

GMA chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon led the contract signing together with GMA president and COO Gilberto R. Duavit Jr. and ALV Events International president Arnold L. Vegafria.

Duavit said boxing fans can expect no less than an exciting fight between Pacquiao and his Australian foe which airs on GMA Channel 7 starting 10 a.m. on July 2.

"Nasisiyahan tayo na sa GMA muling mapapanood ang susunod na laban ni Manny. Puwede namang asahan, sa mga ilang laban na, mula't sapul e exciting at nakakatuwang panoorin ang mga laban ni Manny. Gayundin ang maasahan ng ating mga manonood," Duavit said.

Vegafria, for his part, expressed his excitement that his first boxing promotion stint is done in partnership with the Kapuso Network.

"We are very excited. This is my first time to be a boxing promoter. It's an honor and my privilege to be partnered with GMA," said Vegafria, who is also Pacquiao's manager.

Vegafria added Pacquiao entrusted the co-promotion of his bout with Horn to him and to GMA Network.

"Iniwan na lang niya sa akin yung trust and confidence na, sabi niya na 'kakayanin natin yan kahit na tayo muna magpromote ng sariling fight natin.' Malaki rin naman din kasi ang tulong ng network. We have so much trust and confidence ng magiging okay 'to," he said.

Duavit, a self-confessed Pacquiao fan, hopes the fight billed as the "Battle of Brisbane" is the time for Pacquiao to throw the elusive knockout punch.

"Alam natin na nasa kundisyon si Manny, at tulad din ng nabanggit ko kanina sa mga nakaraang laban, e bukod tangi naman ang pinakikitang performence. I'm sure it will be the same," Duavit said.

"Ang tanong lang anong round ang knockout. Alam mo naman tayo, pinakamalaking taga hanga rin ni Manny so... knockout, pero di ko lang alam anong round," he added.

Pacquaio and Horn will face in the ring at the Suncorp Stadium in the city of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. —JST, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT