Manny Pacquiao has hired Thai rising star Teerachai Kratingdaenggym as his sparring partner in the build-up for the Filipino's clash against Brandon Rios later this month.
The 34-year-old Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38KOs) lost last two fights and has been working hard for the Nov 24 fight in Macau, where he will meet American Rios for the vacant WBO international welterweight title.
Naris Singwangcha, who is close to Pacquiao, said that he was asked to find a boxer to spar with Pacquiao.
He first offered former world champion Sirimongkol Singmanasak and Kongjak Por Pao-in but Pacquiao did not want them, he said.
"He wants a right-handed boxer like Rios so Teerachai is the right one for him," he said.
Unbeaten Teerachai, 21, is the Paba welterweight champion who has won all his 22 fights (16KOs).
His manager Niwat Laosuwanwat said that it was a great chance for Teerachai to learn from such a great fighter.
"More importantly, he will get a chance to show the world how good he is," he said.
"I told him to grab the chance."
Teerachai said: "I will get both money and experience."
Teerachai is regarded as one of the brightest stars in Thailand. He is scheduled to defend his Paba belt in Lop Buri on Nov 26.