The Nike MP Team Pacquiao Eagle shirt in black (inset: back view of the t-shirt).

MANILA - Sports apparel brand Nike has launched a pair of limited-edition Manny Pacquiao t-shirts a full week ahead of the famed boxer's match against Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto.

The two shirts - called Nike MP Team Paquiao Eagle and Nike MP Tee - are reportedly "inspired by [Pacquiao's] phenomenal athletic journey" while training for his "Firepower" bout against Cotto in Las Vegas on November 15 (Sunday, Philippine time).

If Pacquiao wins over Cotto, it will be his seventh world title win in seven different weight classes.

Nike came up with the t-shirts to commemorate the possible historic feat.

Designs

The Nike MP Team Pacquiao eagle shirts come in two colors - black and red- and are printed on the front with a gold outline of a fierce-looking Philippine Eagle.

On the red version of this shirt variety, the eagle is embossed over a line of feathers in the background.

The shirts have "Nike Pacquiao identity crest" on the front which bear the letters "MP" (the boxer's initials) crowned with three rays of a small sun - similar to the sun found on the Philippine flag. Underneath is the Nike swoosh.

The back part of the t-shirt is printed with "Team Pacquiao" and a Nike swoosh in gold script, along with another Nike Pacquiao identity crest near the nape.

The black Nike MP Tee, meanwhile, has the Nike swoosh on the front along with Pacquiao's initials in red and blue. The back part of the shirt bears the statement "Lamang Gawin Ito."

The exclusive t-shirts also have versions in the United States, where the back parts of the garment bears the tagline "Just Do It" in bold letters and the Pacquiao identity crest below it.

Mythic boxer

The Nike MP Team Pacquiao Eagle shirt in red (inset: back view of the t-shirt).

According to a press statement sent by Nike Philippines, the identity crest is a symbol of Pacquiao's victories and Nike's support for the Filipino boxing champion.

"Manny embodies the good sportsmanship and athleticism that Nike athletes possess," said Mar Dichupa, Nike Philippines Marketing Manager, in a statement.

The Nike shirts, priced at P1,095, were officially made available in "limited quantities" on November 6 at select Nike stores nationwide.

In Metro Manila, the shirts are sold at Nike stores at The Fort in Taguig, Trinoma in Quezon City, and Glorietta 4 in Makati.

Nike is also set to auction off Manny Pacquiao merchandise, signed by the boxer himself, from November 12 to 15.

Proceeds from the auction will go to the education of young communities in Gawad Kalinga areas that were hit by typhoon Ondoy last month.

Pacquiao signed an endorsement deal with the Oregon-based multinantional company Nike USA in September 2006.

He was listed in Forbes Magazine as the 6th highest-paid athlete in the world with a net worth of $40 million in endorsements and fight earnings. He tied in 6th place with basketball player LeBron James and golfer Phil Mickelson. Photos courtesy of Nike Philippines.