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Mixed martial arts champion Eduardo “Landslide” Folayang wants to fight Manny Pacquiao in a boxing match.
In an interview on dwAN 1206 AM’s “Hardball with Bill Velasco,” the two-time ONE Championship lightweight world champion told the author how excited he is to face an eight-division world champion.
“It would be an honor to step in the ring with Senator Manny,” Folayang declared. “I would love to have an exhibition boxing match with him.”
He added that Folayang is considered the face of mixed martial arts in the Philippines, but an icon like Pacquiao is needed to develop the sport outside the country.
“We need someone like Manny Pacquiao to carry the flag of our sport,” the former national martial arts athlete acknowledged. “When people overseas say Filipino, they say 'Manny Pacquiao.'”
Folayang is significantly heavier at 169 pounds compared to Pacquiao's welterweight limit of 147, but his advantage would be partially negated by the thicker gloves and striking style used in boxing — plus there are no kicks — and the two may decide to fight at a catchweight, as Pacquiao did against Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito.
But overall, the exhibition boxing is easy on the guys. It's all about a three-round show, bringing the “what if” scenarios to life. It's a treat to watch two Filipino stars go up against each other. No video game can do that.
