Manny Pacquiao is setting up a boxing institute in China and believes the country has the potential to produce professional world champions.

Pacquiao said on Wednesday that he is working with a Chinese company and the government to set up an institute in his name, with the aim of imparting the experience that has helped him win world titles in eight different weight divisions.

The Filipino, who is a hero in his homeland, was speaking in Shanghai where he is promoting his Nov 22 defense of the WBO welterweight title against Chris Algieri in Macao.