Abaniel joins Pacquiao-Khan undercard

Gretchen Abaniel, the country’s lone woman world boxing champion, will finally get her wish to see action in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Amir Khan slugfest on April 23, which may be held in the United Arab Emirates.

“Praise the Lord, my request is granted I can’t explain my happiness today,” said Abaniel, who went to the Senate with husband Cesar Zabala to ask Sen. Pacquiao to include her in the undercard.

Abaniel earlier lamented the fact that she remains virtually unknown among fight fans and hopes that this development will boost her career.

Pacquiao immediately instructed his business adviser Michael Koncz to include Abaniel’s fight against WBO titleholder Nao Ikeyama of Japan in the undercard.