LAS VEGAS, April 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- International boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao announced today he has teamed up with global text marketing service Privi to launch "Team Pacquiao," a fan club that will serve to support the legendary prizefighter's charitable foundation. Members will have a chance to experience exclusive highlights during Pacquiao's training camp prior to his upcoming bout against Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on April 9.
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As a member of Team Pacquiao, subscribers around the world will receive a wide range of behind-the-scenes, first-to-know content, including news, video, contests, merchandise, event information and special giveaways, delivered by text to their mobile phone. Those who join will be automatically entered in an introductory giveaway featuring prizes that include t-shirts, a boxing glove signed by the 10-time world champion, and other offerings.
Annual membership in the fan club is $24.99, except in areas of the world that are economically distressed. In designated countries, fans can gain access for a donation of as little as $1. Pacquiao will contribute all proceeds to his philanthropic organization, Emmanuel and Jinkee's Heart Foundation, as well as other initiatives focused on aiding disaster relief, medical missions and scholarship programs.
"Privi is making it possible for us to provide a terrific service to fans and help people in need at the same time," said Pacquiao. "It's exciting to know that no matter where you are in the world, if you have a cell phone, you can subscribe to receive this content and also help support our foundation."
One of the highest-paid athletes in the world in 2015, Pacquiao was named last year by Forbes Asia as one of its 40 Heroes of Philanthropy. The Filipino native is also a two-term congressman representing his home province of Sarangani and is currently running for the senate. His wife, Jinkee Jamora-Pacquiao, serves as the province's vice governor.
Privi, a global mobile communications technology company that enables celebrities, brands and non-profits to communicate directly with their audiences, is launching the fan club in advance of Pacquiao's upcoming bout with Bradley in order to leverage worldwide attention. It will be the rubber match between the two fighters. Bradley (33-1-1, 13 knockouts) took a split decision in 2012, and Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 knockouts) redeemed himself two years later in a unanimous decision.
Fans of Pacquiao are anxiously waiting to see if the bout on April 9 will be the last for the iconic boxer, considered the best pound-for-pound fighter of all time. With a potential win over Bradley, Pacquiao will weigh whether to retire from boxing and focus on his political and philanthropic endeavors, or consider a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
"Manny Pacquiao is one of the most intriguing athletes in the world," said Mitesh Patel, CEO, Privi Global Services. "This type of exclusive access for fans is exactly what Privi is designed to do, and we're especially pleased that the Pacquiao foundation will benefit along with the important causes it supports."
Fans can join Team Pacquiao by opting in at the club's registration page or by texting pacman to 48421. Outside the U.S. text pacman to +1 6093-CLUB-58 (+1 609-325-8258).
About Manny Pacquiao
Manny Pacquiao is the first and only eight-division world boxing champion, in which he has won 10 world titles, and is the first to win the lineal championship in four different weight classes. Beyond boxing, Pacquiao has participated in professional basketball, business, acting, music recording and politics. In May 2010, he was elected to the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress of the Philippines, representing the province of Sarangani. He was re-elected in 2013 and is currently contending for a senate seat.
About Privi
Privi is an international, mobile content delivery service that allows users to customize their one-to-one marketing efforts by interconnecting and optimizing all digital platforms. As an innovator in two-way SMS/MMS marketing, Privi's mission is to empower brands and public figures with interactive access to their audiences, reaching targeted affinity groups in a personal way. Privi delivers world-class content such as video, ticketing, polling, products sales, contests and giveaways to an audience of six billion in more than 140 countries. For more information visit www.goprivi.com
