Ashanti to sing US national anthem at Pacquiao-Bradley fight

MANILA, Philippines – Grammy Award-winning artist Ashanti was chosen to sing the United States national anthem for Manny Pacquiao's rematch with Timothy Bradley this April.

Pacquaio took to social networking site Twitter on Tuesday, March 4, to confirm the news.

I am so happy that @Ashanti accepted my invitation to sing The National Anthem at my fight with @TimBradleyJr. on April 12. #PacBradley

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) March 4, 2014

It will be sweet music from @Ashanti and chin music for @TimBradleyJr. at our April 12 rematch, Live on PPV. #PacBradley @trboxing

— Manny Pacquiao (@MannyPacquiao) March 4, 2014

The 33-year-old Ashanti, who is best known for her 2002 hits “Foolish” and “Always on Time,” is reportedly a fan of the Filipino boxer.

In her Instagram account last February, Ashanti posted a photo of her and Pacquiao during a chance meeting at a basketball game.

Pacquiao and Bradley will face each other again on April 12 in Las Vegas. This is after Bradley’s controversial win against the Filipino boxer in their first match last 2012.

Artists who previously performed during Pacquiao fights include Christian Bautista, Sarah Geronimo, Charice and Jessica Sanchez.