Manny Pacquiao purchases shares in One FC

MANILA, Philippines – One Fighting Championship, “Asia’s largest Mixed Martial Arts,” has just gone into business with Asia’s most accomplished boxer.

Eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has purchased an undisclosed amount of shares in the Singapore-based One FC, according to league CEO Victor Cui.

Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole first reported the news in an exclusive article.

Furthermore, former UFC talent Brandon Vera and women’s boxing champion Ana Julaton have been signed to One FC contracts, adding more substance to MMA’s rise in the Philippines.

Cui said a press conference would take place in Manila announcing the signing between both sides if Pacquiao’s schedule permits.

Pacquiao, 35, is the current WBO welterweight champion and is scheduled to face New Yorker Chris Algieri on November 23 in Macau.

His foray into One FC is the latest in his recent series of side ventures, which include being named head coach of the Philippine Basketball Association team owned by Kia Motors and entering the said basketball league’s draft to become a player.

In the past few years, Pacquiao has also recorded a music album, ran and won for a congressional seat in the Philippine government, became a preacher and acted in several Filipino films. 

One FC’s next event will take place on August 29 in Dubai, with Julaton slated to face Malaysia’s Ann Osman. – Rappler.com