MANILA, Philippines – Former college basketball and National Basketball Association (NBA) star Jalen Rose predicts a decisive victory for Filipino boxing champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao against Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12 in Las Vegas.
Rose called Pacquiao “one of the best pound-for-pound fighters the game has ever seen,” and commended him for his improvements inside the ring.
“I really think that since Manny has improved his foot work, has improved his right hand since fight number two, I don’t think this is gonna go the distance,” Rose said in an interview with Top Rank Boxing. “I don’t think this one is gonna be left to the judges.”
A former star from the University of Michigan, Rose says his heart belongs to boxing, even though he played in the NBA for 13 seasons.
Rose is also impressed with Pacquiao’s exploits outside of the boxing ring.
“Sports gives you a platform, but it shouldn’t define who you are,” he said. “Manny Pacquiao is a great example, working for his country in so Manny different facets. He loves to play basketball, loves to get in the studio and make music.”
“That’s what being a person and a human being is all about, beyond your sport or trade,” Rose added.
During his time in Michigan, Rose was part of the legendary “Fab Five.” He played for six different teams in the NBA, retiring in 2007 after one season with the Phoenix Suns.
