Pacquiao - Lord of the Rings.

Las Vegas, NV - While walking outside a jewelry store inside the MGM Grand Hotel today, Quinito Henson, Solar Sports Producer Andrew Santiago and I saw a poster promoting the "Official Manny Pacquiao 8-time Championship Ring". We got curious, naturally. We found out the ring has two variants, one diamond-studded 14-karat white gold ring that's $5,300.00 (the supersize version) and the not-so-supersize version at $900.00. Mas affordable, gulp.

We even met Howard Kaplan, the ring's designer, outside the store. He has made hundreds of championship rings for teams like the LA Lakers and the Chicago Bulls -- I wonder if he's already drafting some designs for the Memphis Grizzlies. He even made a special commemorative ring for Muhammad Ali when Ali was named Athlete of the Century. He met Manny two months ago to finalize the design for the ring (check it out at www.mp8collection.com).


Part of the proceeds from the made-to-order rings will go to Manny's favorite charities in the Philippines.

Kaplan, who's a season ticket holder of the Bulls and Chicago White Sox, said Manny is so unlike some big-name athletes. "Manny's a great guy," he asserted. "You wouldn't think that this little guy can kick the crap out of 'ya!" So can this ring! MH