Pinoy pride

Manny Pacquiao’s comeback next month in Las Vegas just got bigger.

Aside from Pacquiao’s shot at the World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title of Mario Barrios, fight fans are getting an added extra as three other high-profile Filipino fighters have been added to the card taking place at the MGM Grand.

Former world champion Mark Magsayo and Jerwin Ancajas and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Marcial are seeing action against soon-to-be-named opponents, Sean Gibbons, who heads MP Promotions, the outfit owned and financed by the eight-division legend.

“This is a big, big night for Philippine boxing,” said Gibbons, who houses the three and several other Filipino punchers in a rented house in Las Vegas that also serves as their training facility.

Magsayo, now fighting as a super-featherweight and Ancajas, now campaigning at super-bantam, and the middleweight Marcial, got the chance to do their morning training session with Pacquiao in Los Angeles on Thursday.

They all ran alongside Pacquiao, did exercises together and shadowboxed with the country’s greatest athlete of all time, all looking giddy with excitement.

“This is a dream come true,” exclaimed Marcial, who is unbeaten with a 5-0 win-loss card with three knockouts.

Pacquiao swears the move to spice up his 19 July ring return with Filipino talent is testament to his pledge and vow to help Philippine boxing.

“It has always been my dream to lend a hand to fellow Filipino boxers and next month’s show will be a great chance for them to show what they’ve got,” said Pacquiao, who will be fighting for the 31st time on American soil since making his US debut in June 2001.

Another ace MP Promotions slugger, Mexican Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz is also fighting.

Magsayo’s fight will likely be a ten-rounder or even a 12-rounder while that of Ancajas could be an eight-rounder or another tenner.

Marcial says his is an eight-rounder against Alexis Gaytan of the US.

“I am so happy. I can’t help but thank Sir Sean (Gibbons) for this wonderful opportunity,” said the Zambaonga-bred southpaw, stressing the importance of Pacquiao’s role in this upcoming marquee event.

“Ever since I was in the amateurs, I have dreamt about fighting in the undercard of his fights,” he added.

Next month, that dream is going to become a reality for Marcial.