Martin Nievera will sing Philippines Anthem in Pacquiao-Hatton Bout

MANILA, Philippines - Singer Martin Nievera has been picked to sing the national anthem during the much-awaited Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton showdown on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Nievera will be the first-ever male singer to make the rendition in a Pacquiao fight in the United States.

Pacquiao, himself a recording artist, selected Nievera from a short list of candidates that reportedly included international singing sensations Lea Salonga and Charice Pempengco.

Interestingly, Nievera comes from the talent pool of ABS-CBN, the fierce network rival of GMA-7 which will telecast the Pacquiao-Hatton clash and where the Filipino boxing superstar has two shows.

Nievera follows in the footsteps of Karylle, Ciara Sotto, Kyla, Lani Misalucha, Bituin Escalante, Geneva Cruz, Sarah Geronimo and Jennifer Bautista. source

I don't know what to say I didn't expect Martin Nievera will sing our National Anthem in much awaited Pacquiao - Hatton bout, it's not that I don't like Martin but we have so many talent here in our country so why Martin? I expect Charice Pempengco, but anyway it's Manny's decision lets give our prayer to Pacquiao for his success and to Martin a very good performance.