Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao will follow the lead of Floyd Mayweather and former England striker Michael Owen to launch his own cryptocurrency to connect with fans, AFP reported.
"It can be a way to be in touch with the fan base and (there are) a lot of things we can do with this cryptocurrency," Pacquiao told AFP.
The digital currency dubbed "PAC Token" will be launched later this year, said the Singapore-based Global Crypto Offering Exchange (GCOX), in which Pacquiao has invested.
The cryptocurrency will allow fans to buy the Filipino star's merchandise and interact with him via live-streaming.
Pacquiao, who is a member of the Philippine Senate, backs the regulation of cryptocurrencies in his country.
Former world champion Manny Pacquiao says his career "is not yet over".He will faces the 35-year-old WBA world welterweight title holder Lucas Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday, 15 July.
By Jade Olafson