Manny Pacquiao won’t fight in Asia

By Boxing News - 02/19/2013 - Comments

pac7777By Mark Havey: After spending so much of his career fighting in America, Manny Pacquiao now wants a change. The crowd pleasing Filipino legend has said that he would like to fight in China or the Philippines. So many countries have been suggested that it’s difficult to be sure what his preference is.

Pacquiao is used to being worshiped in every country he steps foot in, but none more so than his native Philippines. Every time he steps into the ring, Manny Pacquiao has the expectations of an entire country on his shoulders. It would be nice for him and his fans if he fought back on home soil. But it won’t happen.

The Reason given for not wanting a fight in the USA are tax issues. Pacquiao pays a whopping 40% of his earnings to the taxman. He could pick almost any country and pay less than that. No one likes paying tax and at that kind of fee, it’s even worse. But is it really financially beneficial for Pacquiao to fight outside of America?

I think it would be worth paying the tax. When you take into account the money earned from endorsements and advertisement, you aren’t talking small figures. Finding a big enough venue isn’t a necessity in terms of profits generated. The money gained from live gates is tiny compared to all other avenues pursued in search of profits. But losing the cash paid by the casinos will prove a huge dent to usual earnings.

Television is set up so the best viewing is given to the country staging the fights. In some cases countries actually get the action slightly late. the interviews after the fight are not often given to the rest of the world. this could give Top Rank big problems and even lose them future television contracts. What Manny Pacquiao often wants, he doesn’t get. He has a promoter, manager, adviser, trainer and a huge entourage. Some have Pacquiao’s best interest at heart, some do not. I do not believe that Pacquiao will ever fight in Asia. If he wants to fight outside of America there are places much more likely to maximize the final wage, after tax. But I still don’t think he can top the earning available to him by fighting in Vegas.



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