Former boxer kills Pacquiao's ex-trainer

MANILA, Philippines - Police have launched a manhunt against a former boxer who allegedly stabbed dead a gym instructor who reportedly once trained the then-struggling boxer Manny Pacquiao.

Arnold Filan, 38, was declared dead on arrival at the UST Hospital due to two stab wounds in the back. Filan was Pacquiao’s trainer at the L&M gym in Sampaloc during the early stages of the world champion’s career, according to sources.

The suspect, former amateur boxer Bronito Cordero, 37, escaped, bringing with him the fatal weapon.

According to Police Officer 2 Joseph Kabigting, Filan reportedly punched Cordero in the face following an altercation Saturday. The two reportedly parted ways harboring ill feelings against each other.

On Sunday night, while Filan was drinking with two companions in front of a neighborhood store, Cordero reportedly approached the victim from behind and stabbed him.

Filan reportedly made an ante-mortem statement to his live-in partner naming Cordero as his assailant.

Police are guarding Manila’s ports since Cordero may try to escape to his home province of Cebu.