Boxer Manny Pacquiao to perform with his band at Waikiki Shell

By Dave Dondoneau
TGIF Editor

Manny Pacquiao, regarded by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, is coming to the Waikiki Shell on March 21 — but not to box.

The current WBO Welterweight Champion, Ring Magazine Light Welterweight Champion and recipient of the "Fighter of the Decade" Award by the Boxing Writer's Association of America, is coming to O'ahu to perform with The MP Band and Filipina star Madona Decena, Big Ben Entertainment, Island Fire Productions and Cox Radio Hawaii announced today.

Pacquiao and the MP Band have had two albums go platinum in the Philippines, and he played gigs at The Beach at Mandalay Bay following his second-round knockout victory over Ricky Hatton in May of last year and at The Mandalay Bay Convention Center following his victory over welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. At the Shell, they'll be performing Top 40 and rock music.

Pacquiao has won seven world titles in various weight divisions, ranging from 112 to 147 pounds, the most in boxing history.

Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Friday at all ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com and 800-745-3000.

Prices are $25, $35, $45, $55, $75 and $150. Pacquiao will also be signing autographs and giving away a signed replica of the IBO Light Welterweight Championship Belt (one of only two in the world) he earned with his victory over Hatton.

Billed as a concert and celebration, other entertainers scheduled to perform are Pussycat Doll's semifinalist Melissa Reyes, Ten Feet, Augie T., Guy Cruz, Jordan Segundo, Lauren Silva, Al Waterson, Jesus Salud, Yasmin Dar, EMKE, Kalei Gamiao, MIC3, magician's Mark and Landon Mauricio, juggler Greg Gabaylo, Hypersquad, D.J. Kutmaster Spaz, D.J. IA, Allysandra Baniqued, Cristy Agres, Angeli Callo, Paul Cortez, Eddie Lactaoen, Elsa Udasco, Briana Abregano, Beauty Queens and Tahitian Groups.

Decena, who was introduced to Pacquiao when he was promoting his fight with Hatton in the United Kingdom, reached the semifinals of "Britain's Got Talent" and is a rising star in the Philippines.

Also performing is street dancing sensation Angelo "Lil Demon" Baligad, who has appeared on "Oprah" and "Ellen," along with Ciana Pelekai, who was the first singer from Hawaii to make it to the "America's Got Talent."

Source: honoluluadvertiser.com