Pacquiao:WBC

MANILA, Philippines -- The World Boxing Council (WBC) on Monday declared Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao its Champion Emeritus as one of the three biggest sanctioning bodies in the sport officially kicked off its 45th Annual World Convention at the Manila Hotel.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo graced Monday’s opening, along with WBC president Jose Sulaiman, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Games and Amusement Board chair Eric Buhain, WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko, and Pacquiao.
Sulaiman also presented a WBC belt to Ms Arroyo, whom Lim described as “a champion in her own right” in the political arena.
Ms Arroyo was accompanied to the ceremony by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Speaker Jose de Venecia, and Interior Secretary Rolando Puno.
Sulaiman, in his speech, proposed the creation of a WBC boxing gym in the Philippines through the leadership of Pacquiao.
The Filipino ring icon was set to receive his emeritus award Monday night, according to Pacquiao adviser Rex “Wakee” Salud, who originally proposed that Pacquiao be bestowed the recognition.
Pacquiao is also scheduled to host a dinner for WBC officials and delegates attending the convention, added Salud.
Meanwhile, the boxing hero remained undecided on who his next opponent will be in March.
“I haven’t decided on anything,” said Pacquiao. “It all depends on the negotiations.”
Obviously, he is keeping his options open for his next fight, which Top Rank’s Bob Arum said is already set for March 15.
He also didn’t make any choice from the lineup of possible foes that include WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, WBC lightweight king David Diaz and World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation titlist Juan Diaz.
Instead, he focused on the WBC occasion, lavishing praise on the organization.
“The Filipino people is proud to see that the WBC has endured and lasted for decades,” said Pacquiao. “The history of WBC will not be complete without mentioning the Philippines.”'
The convention resumes Tuesday, with seminars conducted for the different regional bodies which are under the WBC umbrella.
Orient-Pacific Boxing Federation president Frank Quill is set to preside over his organization’s convention starting at 3 p.m. Tuesday.