MANILA, Philippines ? Don?t be surprised if Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao takes to the microphone in his next fight to sing the Philippine national anthem.

Reacting to the brouhaha caused by Martin Nievera?s rendition of the national anthem in Pacquiao?s fight against Ricky Hatton last May 3, the boxing champ had a good laugh at the suggestion that he himself should sing the national anthem. But he took the suggestion seriously.

?Pwede naman siguro ?yun, sa susunod ako kumanta next time ? sa next fight. Open ako dun [I think it is possible for me to sing next time. I?m open to that],? Pacquiao told reporters at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Friday morning, where he dropped in for a visit.

Pacquiao, an aspiring singer, has released two albums. The first was a self-titled album with the hit single ?Para Sa?yo Ang Laban na ?To [This Fight is for You].? Later, he released another four-track album titled ?Pac-Man Punch.? Recently, he released a single titled ?Lahing Pinoy.?

Pacquiao said he saw nothing wrong with Nievara?s rendition. ?Sa tingin ko walang mali [I think there was nothing wrong with it].?

He also said that if people criticized Nievera?s rendition, then they might as well criticize all previous renditions of the anthem in all his past fights. ?Dapat pinuna din yung mga nauna [They should have criticized the others].?

Pacquiao also said those who slammed Nievera?s rendition were ?pumapapel lang [were trying to grab the limelight].?

?Yung mga yun, sumasakay lang para makilala. Parang mga KSP [kulang sa pansin]. [Those people are just in it for the ride. They are just ignored and want some attention],? he said.

He also said he made a promise to Nievera before the May 3 fight that the balladeer would sing the national anthem in his next fight.

Other singers have signified their intention to sing the national anthem at one of Pacquiao?s fights. They are teen sensation Charice Pempengco and former Miss Saigon star Lea Salonga.

According to Pacquiao, he could face the winner of the June fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez in October if negotiations would be to his liking.