Fans of boxer Manny Pacquiao are accustomed to seeing the eight-time world champion deliver devastating shots in the ring to his opponents. “Besides boxing I really love basketball, it’s my other passion,” Pacquiao told a small group of reporters prior to tip off. In 2014, Pacquiao started his basketball career in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) after being drafted by Kia Sorento in the first round (14th overall). “This MPBL League is trying to encourage kids to play basketball and focus on sport.”Pacquiao holds a career boxing record of 62-7-2 (39 KOs), and has used the sport of basketball to cross-train for boxing fights though out his storied career. “There are a lot of Filipinos here and they invited me and my MPBL League and we’re able to play some friendly games of basketball,” said Pacquiao.

Source: National Post December 29, 2019 05:03 UTC