CEBU City—Boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao defied a doctor’s order not to do strenuous physical activities up to the weekend by playing basketball Sunday morning.
Downed by a viral infection Friday morning, Pacquiao skipped training on that day and Saturday and was advised by his physician, Dr. Hans Potot, to take some time off from training.
“We just played our regular schedule this morning but we were surprised to see Manny joining us in the court,” said The Freeman sports editor Manny Villaruel.
Pacquiao played the whole game along with his teammates at Team PacMan, a basketball team he owns.
Pacquiao, however, showed no signs of the infection that hit him last week but observers fear for a possible relapse in his health.
People within the area who learned about Pacquiao’s presence came in droves to watch the boxing superstar play at the City Sports Club of the Cebu City Gym. .
The night before, Freddie Roach said that he’s been telling Pacquiao to refrain from playing hoops because he may injure himself.
Pacquiao is slated to battle Marco Antonio Barrera on October 6 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Roach attended a dinner hosted by boxing patron Tony Aldeguer Saturday night at Aldeguer’s residence.
Roach was reportedly surprised upon learning Pacquiao’s decision to play. The American trainer was actually waiting for Pacquiao’s call Sunday morning for them to take a walk and loosen up a bit.
When confronted by Roach about the basketball game, Pacquiao explained that all he did was run up and down the court and did not bang bodies with opposing players.
After the game, Pacquiao and wife Jinky took a stroll at a beach in a nearby area.
Roach said that Pacquiao was asked by GMA 7 to guest on a Sunday noontime program but the American trainer turned down the request, saying the TV appearance may affect Pacquiao’s recuperation.
GMA 7 is the television partner of Solar Sports that bought the rights of the Pacquiao-Barrera return engagement.
Pacquiao is expected to resume training today at the RSW Gym owned by close friend and international promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud.
