MANILA, Philippines ? Manny ?Pacman? Pacquiao proved that he is not just a superpower in the boxing ring as he exhibited his skills and speed on the basketball court in Baguio City on Monday.
After jogging and doing other exercises at Burnham Park in the morning, the 7-division world champion and his team members played against Baguio City basketball players in the evening.
His sparring partners, American Glen Tapia and Mexican Michael Medina, joined the ball game as well.
?Talagang pag nag-te-training ako, nag-ba-basketball talaga ako. Pampa-relax during training kasi. Pero marami rin akong sports na nilalaro like darts, billiards,? Pacquio told ABS-CBN News.
Aside from being a way to relax after his workout, the boxing superstar said that basketball is an integral part of his training camp.
He added that playing basketball helps him gauge his speed and endurance.
The boxer-congressman is training for his November 13 fight against Mexican Antonio Margarito at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Still speedy
Pacquiao arrived in the City of Pines Sunday afternoon and buckled down to work the morning after.
He wowed his team and the crowd with his speed after doing 6 rounds around Burnham Park.
A report on The Philippine Star noted that Pacquiao did not show ill effects of a slight injury on his left foot. He was brought to the hospital last Friday due to a pain caused by some pull during training.
?There?s some swelling but I?m under medication now,? said Pacquiao.
Despite the slight injury, Pacquiao said his Baguio training phase has been so far, so good. He also commented that the weather was fine.
?I?m happy with my first day of training here in Baguio,? he remarked. ? With reports from Gladys Espinola, ABS-CBN News North Luzon and Artemio Dumlao and Rose Tamayo Tesoro, The Philippine Star
