Pacquiao receives LA Galaxy jersey from Beckham, ‘the fan’

David Beckham and Manny Pacquiao. AP and INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — David Beckham turned from international football superstar to fan when he saw Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao watching the friendly match between his team, the LA Galaxy, and Philippine Azkals at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Saturday.

After he was taken out 27 minutes in the second half, Beckham was caught by television cameras going to the stands and reaching out to Pacquiao who went down from where he was seated to receive the English star’s LA Galaxy shirt, which he wore for the match.

In an interview after the game, Beckham admitted that he was a huge fan of Pacquiao and that this was the reason why although his contract for the match with the Azkals stipulated that he was to play for only 45 minutes, he went back in the second half “because I saw him arrive”.

When asked who he thought would win in the anticipated match between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., Beckham refused to comment but said he was sure that it would be a great fight.