Prince Harry To Co-Promote Pacquiao’s Charity Bout In London, Possibly vs Khan; Proceeds To Go To Haiyan Victims

Even though the dream match between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather once more appears to be vague until now, 2015 still seems to be a landmark year for the eight-division title holder.

The Filipino champ would have one match in London, a first for Pacquiao who usually fights in Las Vegas or Macau, possibly against British boxer Amir Khan. And his audience would include at least one royal, Prince Harry, who is co-promoting the fight.

Discussing the charity fight, which would be a full match, was the reason why Prince Harry invited Pacquiao and his wife, Sarangani Vice Governor Jinkee Pacquiao, to a dinner on Jan 22 at Buckingham Palace. Also with them is former Ilocos Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson who has been a supporter of Pacquiao.

The prince will be a co-promoter of the fight, the proceeds of which will go to their favourite charities. Pacquiao has told GMA that one of his chosen charities are the victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) who are in the Visayas region. Right after the devastation in November 2013, the boxer flew to the typhoon-devastated areas and distributed relief goods from his personal funds.

On the other hand, the second son of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip is known to support several charities. In December, he went to Lesotho in Africa to check the progress of one of his charities, Sentebale, which provides healthcare and education to vulnerable children in the poor nation.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao, after the dinner with Prince Harry, had another shorter meeting on Friday with the royal and then met with Khan’s team at the Fitzroy Lodge Amateur Boxing Club in London, according to Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s adviser.

But Koncz clarified, quotes Yahoo Sports, “Don’t take this as us slamming the door on Floyd because we’re not. But we’re not going to sit around and find ourselves in this position in two weeks, waiting for an answer from him. So we’re just making alternative plans in case we can’t get the Mayweather thing done, and Amir is a possibility.”

Pacquiao has set Jan 31 as the deadline for Mayweather to decided, but the American boxer insisted that even as he is interested for the dream match to happen, “Pacquiao is not in a position to call any shots as of right now.”

Khan has previously expressed that he wants to meet Pacquiao on the ring even before the proposed charity fight by Prince Harry.

To contact the writer, email: v.hernandez@ibtimes.com.au