- Manny Pacquiao entrusted his fight against Keith Thurman on broadcast channel ABS-CBN
- Dyan Castillejo was speculated to be the one who persuaded him
- GMA Network’s top executives were rumored to be infuriated by this move
Senator and Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao entrusted his upcoming fight for the WBA Super Welterweight World Championship against Keith Thurman to be telecast on ABS-CBN platforms this July 20, 2019.
As the official fight broadcaster, ABS-CBN will air the match from the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, USA on ABS-CBN Ch.2 at 10 am with an immediate replay on ABS-CBN S+A at 3 pm.
Filipinos can catch the fight live, without commercials and in high definition on SKY Sports PPV on cable TV. Fans can also follow the blow-by-blow coverage of DZMM Radyo Patrol 630 with seasoned sports anchor Dyan Castillejo and respected boxing analyst Quinito Henson starting at 9 am.
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Many were shocked by the move made by the professional boxer. Without any apparent reason, he turned his back on GMA Network which aired his numerous fights for several years and supported his career as an actor.
However, Dyan Castillejo, a former tennis player and ABS-CBN sports reporter, was speculated to be the one who persuaded Manny to negotiate with ABS-CBN. Dyan is said to be a close friend of the Pacquiao family. There were also speculations that Manny was dismayed with the “outcome” of his fight with Adrien Broner which aired on January 19, 2019.
Kapuso network’s top executives were reportedly furious about the sudden move of Manny and are now planning to end his current show Stories for the Soul.
ABS-CBN was the true home network of the Pambansang Kamao. He started his acting career on the network earlier than 2005. Upon the expiration of his contract with ABS-CBN, Pacquiao signed with GMA Network as an actor in September 2007.
