The Filipino legend was welcomed to Qatar’s capital by Thani Abdulrahman Al-Kuwari, secretary general of the Qatar Olympic Committee, as well as AIBA President C K Wu and Yousuf Ali Al-Kazim, President of the Qatar Boxing Federation and executive director of the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

Pacquiao joined the crowds for the start of the afternoon session on day three of competition, cheering for compatriot Rogen Ladon as he took on Mexican number one and two-time Pan-American Games champion, Joselito Velazquez Altamirano.

Ladon was quick to gain the advantage over the top seed, who responded well but was ultimately overcome by the occasion and comprehensively beaten 3-0 on points. 

Pacquiao, who was quick to congratulate Ladon after the bout, said: "It's amazing to be here in Qatar for the World Boxing Championships.

"This is my first time in the Middle East, and although I'm here just for a quick visit, I really want to come back and spend more time here.

"The people are really warm and friendly.

"It seems like the country is investing in sports, which is something I really admire as people get to chase their dreams of becoming professional athletes.

"‎It was great to learn about Qatar's 2030 Vision, which I think all countries can learn from."

On arrival, Pacquiao firstly visited Doha’s Corniche to take in the city’s dramatic skyline before holding an in-depth meeting with Al-Kuwari, Wu and Al-Kazim.

The group discussed the prospect of Qatar playing host to Pacquiao’s next fight, which is set to be his last after he announced earlier this week that he intends to retire next year after one last bout.

A showdown with Great Britain's Amir Khan is a strong possibility, as is a re-match with America's Floyd Mayweather Jnr, who Pacquiao lost to in his most recent fight just over five months ago. 

‎"I would love to have my next fight here in Qatar, and my team is now working towards that," he added.

"Whether it will be against Amir Kahn or Floyd Mayweather, I'll be ready.

"I would love to have a re-match against Floyd in Qatar.

"It was a nice surprise to see so many Filipinos here, it kind of felt like a home away from home.

"It's also great to see the World Championship in this region for the first time.

"It's important to reach out to new generations and new places, which is why I have come to Doha to offer my support."

Following confirmation of Pacquaio’s attendance at the Championships on Tuesday (October 6), organisers are said to have witnessed a surge in sales for the event.

Pacquaio met up with as many as 100 fans at the arena through an on-line competition developed by the LOC.

"Manny Pacquiao is a legend who unites sports fans worldwide and the perfect role model," said Al-Kuwari after the meeting.

"We are extremely proud to welcome him to our nation especially on this unique occasion for the Doha 2015 AIBA World Boxing [Championships] when the sport is being showcased so positively to our community in a magnificent setting as the state-of-the-art Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena.

“Everyone is excited to have Manny come to Qatar including all his fellow countrymen and he has an open invitation to return.

"As an ambitious sporting nation we want Manny to consider Qatar when he gets in the ring against his next opponent as we have the perfect ingredients from world-class venues and passionate fans to make it a global success.

"I’m quite sure it would feel like he is boxing in front of home fans with the support he would have from all the people of Qatar.

"He will see this for himself when he attends the boxing arena today."

Al-Kazim added: "It’s amazing to see the universal appeal of Manny Pacquaio and the effect he has.

"We wanted to set a new benchmark for the World Boxing Championships and having Manny has given fans a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and see one of the greatest boxers of all time.

"That type of experience is priceless.

"We might have more stars to drop into the event in coming days so fans should get their tickets early to enjoy more moments like this one.”



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