Pacquiao vows to take UP Maroons to watch US bout if they win UAAP title

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

An added motivation has come the University of the Philippines’ way as it began its quest for its first title in 32 years in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament. 

The Fighting Maroons will surely be playing a more inspired basketball against the defending champion Ateneo de Manila University after Senator Manny Pacquiao showed his support for the team.

Boxing’s only eight-division champion pledged on Saturday to treat the whole UP men’s basketball team to a trip to Las Vegas and watch his upcoming fight if they win the UAAP Season 81 men’s basketball crown.

Pacquaio will defend his WBA welterweight title against Adrien “The Problem” Broner on January 19.

Pacquiao’s official photographer, Wendell Alinea announced in a Facebook post the senator’s support to the UP Fighting Maroons.

“My boss supports the UP [Fighting] Maroons,” Alinea said. 

“He just said he’ll sponsor the whole team to watch his upcoming fight in Vegas if they beat the Blue Eagles at this year’s UAAP finals,” he added.