Blago picks Pacquiao, claims innocence and puts money on Dickinson at NBC press day

By April MacIntyre Apr 25, 2009, 17:43 GMT

Impeached former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich "Pacquiao is who I am going for," said Blago, who added he was intrigued by the idea of pushing HBO\'s Jim Lampley to the side in the world of hosting boxing matches and commenting for a network. EPA/TANNEN MAURY

Ex Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich answered Monsters and Critics' questions at the NBC press day at the Langham in Pasadena, including who was the ex Golden Gloves contender picking for the upcoming Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao fight?

"Pacquiao is who I am going for," said Blago, who added he was intrigued by the idea of pushing HBO's Jim Lampley to the side for a crack at hosting boxing matches and commenting for any network in a sport Blago holds dear to his heart.

The anticipated Hatton bout with Pacquiao on May 2 (May 3 in Manila)  will be fought at junior welterweight (140 pounds), a class where Hatton has remained undefeated in 46 outings. 

NBC revealed the cast of its summer reality series "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here" on Friday, and the network had disgraced and ousted Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich join the cast onstage for a thinly veiled PR move that reiterated the fact Blago is not going to Costa Rica.

"I will abide by the judge's decision," said Blago.

"But my money is on (Janice) Dickinson to win it.." he quipped.

Stephen Baldwin, with Blago pin he made...photo by April MacIntyre ©M&C

The "I'm a Celebrity..." cast, as unveiled Friday (April 24) features American Idol hairdo Sanjaya Malakar, Janice Dickinson ("America's Next Top Model") and Heidi Montage and Spencer Pratt ("The Hills"), plus former NBC player John Salley ("Best Damned Sports Show Period"), professional wrestler Torrie Wilson and "Independent" Stephen Baldwin, who got testy with a journalist when asked why he was so chummy with a democrat, Blagojevich.

"I'm a Celebrity..." premise is that ten celebrities will be dropped into the heart of the Costa Rican jungle to face challenges designed to test their survival skills.

The network says that additional stars, plus a host, will be announced next week.

The former Illinois governor faces trial on charges of racketeering and fraud among other misdeeds.  Throughout the press conference he maintained his innocence and vowed to clear his name "for my two daughters."

Blago actually compared himself to the career trajectory of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and that he possessed the political ideals of Teddy Roosevelt.

He added, "I'm looking for a new line of work and when you face some of the obstacles I have, to get away from it all and enjoy some of the impressive celebrities here... This is a chance to be able to make a living and support my my little girls and my family. A judge made a decision that I can't go to Costa Rica, but I'm not ruling out the possibility of being involved in some capacity."

"I'm a Celebrity..." hits TV as a two-hour television event on Monday, June 1 and will have the finale on Wednesday, June 24.