Boxing: Manny Pacquiao to speak at the Oxford Union

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Boxing legend and future Hall of Famer and currently serving as a Senator of the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao will speak at the Oxford Union following an invitation sent out by the union.

Pacquiao (60-7-2, 39 KOs) is most recently coming off a stoppage win over Lucas Matthysse in July in a thrilling fight which took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He is now scheduled to fight Adrien Broner at Las Vegas on January 17 on Showtime PPV.

Manny Pacquiao has been a very active politician and in June 2016 was elected as a senator and will serve a six-year term until 2022. He enjoys tremendous support amongst the people in the Philippines and is seen by many as the successor to Rodrigo Duerte as president.

Stephen Horvath, President of the Oxford Union, has said that Pacquiao’s presence will continue the “fine tradition” of the hosting high profile speakers from across the world.

He added: “As the first and only eight-division world champion and the winner of 11 world titles, your legacy as a world champion professional boxer is unmatched,”

“Your strategic brilliance and your remarkable speed make you a truly legendary fighter. We would be delighted to hear more about how you stood above the characteristic trash-talking of big fights to stay focused on winning. You have applied this determination and endurance to your political career as well, overcoming an initial setback in your first election to become a widely-popular and respected Senator.”

“At a time where there is such international interest in the politics of the Philippines, our members would be intrigued to hear more about your views on President Duterte and the war on drugs. On top of your success in politics and boxing, it is impressive that you are so involved in basketball as a player, owner and coach. We would be truly honoured to host you and learn from your immensely rich life.”

Nick Brown, Secretary of the Oxford Union, who forwarded the initial initiation to Pacquiao, has said that “it would be an honour to host Sen. Pacquiao and hear him discuss his career, both about his epic boxing journey and his career in Filipino politics, something which many of our members are watching closely.”

Manny Pacquiao rose from extreme poverty to fighting Floyd Mayweather in a 2015 super fight which is the highest grossing fight in the history of sports.

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