Nine months after being dumped by Nike for his alleged anti-gay remarks, eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao was chosen as the new endorser of global sportswear brand Anta.
Anta Sports Products Limited announced in a statement that Pacquiao signed the endorsement deal in a ceremony at Wynn Las Vegas on Nov. 2.
Those who attended the signing ceremony, aside from Pacquiao, are Pacquiao’s manager Vegafria Arnold, Chinese boxing champion Zou Shiming and Anta officials led by chairman and chief executive Ding Shizhong, president James Zheng, senior brand and marketing director Major Zhu and sports marketing director Yang Chun.
Anta introduced “Fight On”-themed Pacquiao series during the event.
The Chinese brand said after signing Chinese boxers Zou Shiming and Yang Lianhui, the endorsement deal with Pacquiao “not only helps improve the brand influence of Anta across the globe, but also helps strengthen the presence of Anta in the training and boxing market.”
“Manny Pacquiao is one of the world’s best professional boxing champions and Anta is one of the leading sportswear brands in China. The collaboration is a big news for both boxing, and the sports industry in general,” the company said.
Pacquiao began professional boxing at 16 and during his legendary 21-year career he has won world boxing titles in eight different weight categories.
Anta brand president Zheng Jie said: “Pacquiao is not only a great boxer, but he serves as a great role model for all sports enthusiasts. He is strict with his training routine and never gives up, which is in keeping with the brand spirit of Anta. Furthermore, Anta and Pacquiao are determined to inspire all customers to continue to ‘Fight On’.”
Pacquiao said not only is Anta a leading brand in China, but it also has a strong global influence. “I have followed ANTA’s development in boxing, and got more details from Zou Shiming. Undoubtedly Anta is very professional in the research and development of boxing products as well as the promotion of boxing events. I am looking forward to advocating professional boxing with Anta around the world,” said Pacquiao, who now serves as a senator in the Philippines.
Anta hopes that the signing of Pacquiao will become the strong “engine” for growth for the brand’s training series and the enhancement of the functionality of its boxing products.