Manny Pacquiao in Hong Kong
Boxer Manny Pacquiao (C) of the Philippines trains during a media workout in Hong Kong October 27, 2014. Pacquiao is on tour ahead of defending his WBO World Welterweight title on November 23 against Chris Algieri of the U.S. at the Venetian's Cotai Arena in Macau. Reuters

Manny Pacquiao will head to Miami, Florida in January for the 2015 Miss Universe Pageant. The eight-division world champion will reportedly serve as a judge in the 63rd annual beauty contest, which will be held in Miami, Florida, on Jan. 25, 2015.

In an interview with Gareth Davies of The Telegraph, Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum revealed that the Filipino has been invited to sit down as one of the judges of Miss Universe 2015. If things go as planned, Pacquiao will be the seventh Filipino to serve as a judge in the said prestigious beauty pageant. Other notable Filipino personalities who have joined the judging panel of Miss Universe include 1969 Miss Universe Gloria Diaz and diplomat Carlos P. Romulo (1974 Miss Universe), fashion designer Josie Natori (1989 Miss Universe), singer Kuh Ledesma (1991 Miss Universe), Media magnate and philanthropist Emilio Yap (1994 Miss Universe), and Miss Saigon star Lea Salonga (2011 Miss Universe).

"The only thing we're planning with Pacquiao in early 2015 is that he's going to be a judge at one of these beauty contests, Miss World or Miss Universe," Arum said. "The one in Miami, in January."

The Miss Universe Organization hasn't confirmed the news about Pacquiao judging the beauty pageant. However, the hosts for 2015 Miss Universe has already been announced in a statement posted on that organizations's official Web site.

Today Show's news anchor Natalie Morales and MSNBC's Thomas Roberts will host the 63rd Annual Miss Universe. It would be the first time that the two broadcasters will appear on the stage together as co-hosts for the said beauty contest. Morales is a returning host, having previously co-hosted the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant. It is anticipated that more information, including the judges and performers, will be revealed soon as the date draws near.

A total of 90 contestants from various parts of the globe will battle for the Miss Universe crown on Jan. 25 at the FIU Arena in Florida. They will be judge in three categories -- swimsuit, evening gown, and question and answer. The winner of last year's contest was Venezuelan Gabriela Isler, who will pass her crown to the lucky winner.

To reach the author of this article, email r.corpuz@ibtimes.com.au.

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