Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has confirmed that whatever happens, he will come home to his native General Santos City in December to host the "Manny Pacquiao P2-Million International Darts Classic" at the Lagao Gymnasium.

"Sa Disyembre rin, pagkatapos ng aking laban, ako ay magpapa-tournament ng darts sa Pilipinas at gusto kong maging malaki ito at sasalihan ng lahat ng mga magagaling na darters ng Pilipinas at ng iba pang bansa," Pacquiao wrote in his online column, "Kumbinasyon" on Philboxing.com.

The World Boxing Council lightweight champ, who will face Oscar de la Hoya for the 12-round welterweight non-title bout, said that this early, a lot of players -- both from the Philippines and abroad -- have signified their intension of joining the four-day tournament.

Pacquiao said he may be considered a "newbie" in the field of darts since he has only been playing the sport for a short time. However, he said that he has improved a lot.

"Hindi pa gaanong matagal mula nang mag-umpisa akong maglaro ng sport na ito at masasabi kong malaki na ang aking ipinagbago. At maganda ang resulta ng aking paglalaro dahil nakikita ng aking mga kasambahay ang malaking pag-improve ng aking game," he said.

He also likened the sport's bull's eye to de la Hoya who is the focus of his present training.

Pacquiao said that like a bull's eye, de la Hoya may be a hard target to hit. However, the "People's Champ" assured fans and supporters that with training and focus, he will not fail.

"Parang sa boksing din, itinuturing kong bull's eye si Dela Hoya at doon ako naka-focus ngayon. Alam kong mahirap patamaan ang bull's eye pero dahil na rin sa aking pagsisikap at pagtitiyaga, sa tingin ko, hindi mahirap na matatamaan ko ito ng hindi lang isang beses."

Pacquiao's December darts tournament is the third this year, following the Pacman Cup in August and September. Total cash prizes amounting to P300,000 were awarded in each of the past tournaments.

The National Darts Federation of the Philippines (NDFP) reported that 48 Razor dartboards will be used for the Pacquiao darts tournament in December.

The NDFP said that it expects between 400 and 500 players from the Philippines and abroad to sign up.

It said that well-known overseas-based Filipino players like Joseph Domanais, Gerry Flores and Joel Hizon from the United Arab Emirates have said they intend to join the Pacquiao darts fest.

Meanwhile, two teams from Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be sent by the NDFP-Middle East chapter will be sent for the Pacquiao Darts Classic's four-man team championship.

Aside from overseas-based Filipino players, those from Malaysia and Singapore are also expected to participate.

The P2-million Pacquiao Darts Classic is organized by the NDFP and supported by the Mindanao Archipelago Dart Federation and the Association of General Santos Darters. Roy Medina, abs-cbnNEWS.com