Pacquiao returns to Kia sidelines but not on the court

Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo

RIZAL, Philippines — Kia Sorento playing-coach Manny Pacquiao was in complete uniform and even participated in the shootaround prior to their game against the Purefoods Hotshots on Wednesday.

The sellout crowd at the Ynares Center in Antipolo expected Pacquiao to play his second PBA game but it never happened with the Fighter of the Decade opting not to field himself in.

Coach Manny Pacquiao of KIA. PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

The 35-year-old boxing icon, fresh off a 12-round demolition of Chris Algieri in Macau last Sunday, said he “wasn’t feeling well” and that his body is still “sore.”

“Masama pa yung pakiramdam ko (I wasn’t feeling well),” said Pacquiao moments after Kia lost to Purefoods, 88-77. “Masakit pa yung katawan ko so hindi ko na pinilit, sinubukan lang natin (My body’s still sore so I didn’t force it but I tried).”

Pacquiao seemed okay during the shootaround as he shot 3-pointers, dribbled and drove to the basket to the delight of the crowd.

“Pinakiramdaman ko lang sa shootaround (I tried to test it out during shootaround),” Pacquiao said. “Hindi ko na lang pinilit pero kaya naman (I just didn’t want to force it but I could’ve played if I pushed myself to play).

Regardless, Purefoods head coach Tim Cone applauded Pacquiao for showing up despite going the full 12 rounds just three days ago.

“A lot of credit to Manny Pacquiao, who mazingly showed up three days after the fight. That’s incredible,” Cone, the only coach to win two Grand Slams, marveled. “If that happened to us, we’ll be all laid up for three months and he’s out there warming up.”