Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has revealed its newest endorser to be none other than the boxing world’s eight-division champion, Manny Pacquiao. According to the boxing legend, he could not say no to the brand since his kids play and talk about the popular mobile game at home, especially when it was included in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

“It was easy for me to say yes when [Mobile Legends: Bang Bang developer and publisher] Moonton approached me to be their Philippine ambassador. I already knew of Mobile Legends even before they got in touch because my son, Jimuel, plays the game on his phone and regularly streams with friends. So why not be a part of what my son loves?” Pacquiao said.

One billion downloads

The announcement comes on the heels of celebrating one billion downloads of the mobile game worldwide.

In the Philippines, the number of its users increased during the lockdown. The Philippines now has over 100 million registered users and 25 million monthly active users.

“We’ve been working on this partnership for more than a year. Based on the studies we’ve done, 70% of our users are big fans of boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has a lot in common with boxing. Like boxing it requires skill, determination, physical effort, and most importantly mental toughness. You can’t beat your opponent just by being strong. You have to also be smart,” said Mobile Legends Marketing Manager for the Philippines William Mei in a press statement.