Pacman makes changes

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has a couple of new things happening around his big fight next month in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao, aka Pacman, steps into the ring with Ricky Hatton at MGM in Las Vegas on May 2 for the right to be called the world’s No.1 pound-for-pound boxer.

Pacquiao’s mother, Dionisia, is coming to Las Vegas for the first time since her superstar son first fought in the U.S. But Showbiz Central reported that the Pacquiao matriarch will only be watching the fight on TV at the MGM Grand.

It will be the first time that Pacquiao’s mom will actually be in the U.S. during his fight. Previously, she stayed in the family’s General Santos City mansion, spending time praying for her son’s success and safety.

Also new in the Pacquiao camp is the naming of the first male performer to sing the national anthem: Martin Nievera. In the past, Pacquiao has assigned only female singers such as Kyla, Karylle, Geneva Cruz and Sarah Geronimo to do the honours, apparently bringing him good luck.

Nievera was handpicked by Pacquiao, who offered the invite when he met the Concert King during his birthday party last December.

"I’m very happy about it. I’ve always wanted to be the singer of the national anthem," Nievera said.

The veteran singer said he’s now preparing to give a rendition of a Lupang Hinirang that is "sung by a proud Filipino."

"Manny Pacquiao is gonna bring honor to the country and I’m gonna help make our country proud by singing the national anthem with all my heart and utmost pride," Nievera said.

Pacquiao who will bask in the limelight when he guns for Hatton’s International Boxing Organization and Ring Magazine junior welterweight title in their "Battle of East and West" bout.