The Filipino fighter is due to arrive here in Qatar's capital on Thursday (October 8) afternoon and depart the following morning. 

His appearance at the Championships comes just a few months after he suffered defeat at the hands of America's Floyd Mayweather Jnr in a world title bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Wu described these World Championships as the "benchmark" for future editions and stated how pleased he was that Pacquiao had accepted an invitation to "share his thoughts and ideas first hand".

"The reason [he has been invited] is because I have a friendship with him and because of his achievements in professional boxing," said Wu at a press conference ahead of the opening day of World Championship action here.

"AIBA also has APB (AIBA Pro Boxing) now and WSB (World Series of Boxing) for AIBA pro boxers.

"So with that kind of nature, he’s coming certainly.

"He’s never been here to the World Championships.

"This is why I said, 'come to have a look at the AIBA World Championships'.

"So that’s why he’s very interested to come, to witness it for himself.

"Also, his name is well recognised in boxing.

"He has very impressive past experience.

"So I think that his appearance will certainly help boxing development in the region and in the country of Qatar.

"It’s a very short visit but it just shows support for boxing and this is the most important message."

Pacquiao announced only yesterday that he will be running for a Senate seat in the Philippines' national elections next year, but is freeing up time in his schedule to see what the World Championships has to offer.

Action at the World Championships begins today and Qatar Boxing Federation President, Yousuf Ali Al Kazim, thanked Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, President of the Qatar Olympic Committee who officially declared the Championships open last night, for his backing.

"I would like to underline the great support that the sport of boxing is getting from Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the President of the Qatar Olympic Committee, and whose presence yesterday at the Opening Ceremony reflects the interest and his keenness to promote, to help and to support sport in general, and also boxing in particular."

Also present at the press conference was Asmaa Bint Thani al Thani, the Local Organising Committee's marketing department director.

Reflecting on the Opening Ceremony and the impact of the competition on the city, she said: "Last night we saw a breathtaking opening ceremony involving people from all over the world.

"It is very important for us here to bring this event to life and introduce the noble art of boxing."



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