Regardless of what happens in the ring Saturday, where six-time world champion Manny Pacquiao meets welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, the Filipino's post-fight plans are set.
Pacquiao is getting $100,000 to perform with his band, MB, at Mandalay Bay Beach following the bout. Doors will open at 9 p.m. -- about the time the fight will end if the first-round knockout predicted by Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, takes place -- and tickets are going for $40.
But music is just one of many talents displayed by Pacquiao, who was on the cover of Time's Asia edition last week. He's also run for political office in the Philippines, where he's been the subject of a movie and three video games. And he's the only athlete in his country's history to appear on a postage stamp. He also starred briefly in a TV series and is reportedly in negotiations with Sylvester Stallone to make another movie.
As for his singing career, although he's had two CDs go platinum at home, some of those who have heard the fighter sing suggest that he'd be wise to keep his day job. It certainly pays better: He's guaranteed $7.5 million for Saturday's fight with Cotto.
Oh, and don't expect Pacquiao's arrival at his post-fight concert to be delayed by any side trips to the hospital, trips Pacquiao's last two opponents, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, had to make.
"He doesn't get hurt," boxing promoter Bob Arum said of Pacquiao.
-- Kevin Baxter
Source: latimesblogs.latimes.com
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