Pacquiao to play for Kia Wednesday before flying to US

Manny Pacquiao drives to the basket. Inquirer file photo/Edwin Bacasmas

MANILA, Philippines—Before flying to the US to train for his mega fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao plans to fulfill his duties as playing-coach for Kia Motors in the PBA first.

Pacquiao, whose much-awaited bout with Mayweather got the green light for May 2 last week, said in an interview on ANC that he plans to coach and even suit up for the Carnival on Wednesday against Talk N’ Text.

The boxing champion also said that he will continue playing hoops during his training camp, saying that the sport is a good type of training.

“Yes, I will still play basketball. It’s good cross-training, (it’s also good for) footwork, balancing,” said Pacquiao in Filipino.

Prior to his fight against Chris Algieri in November last year, Pacquiao also found time for play for Kia Motors against Blackwater in the opening for the 40th season of the PBA.

He has since missed several games for the Carnival, but returned last week to score his first professional career point in the league in Kia’s upset victory over Purefoods, 95-84.

The fighting congressman is currently in General Santos, where he has started some light training to kick off his build up for arguably the biggest fight in boxing history.

In a Philippine Daily Inquirer report, Pacquiao is set to leave for Los Angeles to start his training with longtime mentor Freddie Roach on Feb. 28.

RELATED STORY

Pacquiao focused on Algieri and not basketball, says brother

After Pacquiao scores first career point, Mayweather hits the court, too