PSC eyeing Pacquiao to grace Batang Pinoy

If plans do not miscarry, Manny Pacquiao will serve as guest of honor when the Batang Pinoy unwraps in General Santos City from 25 to 31 October.

In an exclusive interview with DAILY TRIBUNE, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Matthew “Fritz” Gaston bared that they are looking at inviting the eight-division world champion to serve as keynote speaker and inspire the athletes in the biggest and most prestigious grassroots tournament in the country.

The 46-year-old boxing icon is making a return to his first love after a brief stint in politics.

In fact, he is at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, where he is preparing for a title match against World Boxing Council welterweight champion Mario Barrios.

Gaston said it’s a no-brainer for them to tap Pacquiao — if and when his schedule permits.

“I’m sure. I think if he’s there (in General Santos), definitely we can get him to grace the in one of the days of the Batang Pinoy,” Gaston said during his guesting at OFF THE COURT show on Thursday.

“I’m sure he will. He’s always accessible.”

Gaston, one of the four commissioners under the leadership of PSC chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann, said inviting Pacquiao to grace the Batang Pinoy in General Santos City will be quite easy.

Aside from being the beloved son of the city, its incumbent mayor is Pacquiao’s sister in law, Lorelie Pacquiao, while her husband, Bobby Pacquiao, is a city councilor.

Gaston also maintains a very good relationship with Pacquiao after leading the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) from 2011 to 2017.

“I had the privilege to watch his fights because I was with GAB,” he said.

“We would always get invited to his fights.”