Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao looks to involve himself further in basketball, this time lending a hand to promote the Philippines’ bid to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
“I’m going to Tokyo with the Philippine delegation to help in our bid to host FIBA 2019,” said Pacquiao in a statement on Wednesday (July 22).
The Philippines goes toe-to-toe with China for the hosting rights of the 2019 World Cup, with both nations set to make their final pitch on August 7 in Tokyo, Japan.
This isn’t the first time Pacquiao has dabbled in basketball — last year, he joined the KIA franchise in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) as a player-coach.
The Filipino boxer was also recently unveiled as the new manager of the Letran Knights men’s basketball team in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
As a PBA cager, Pacquiao’s career pales in comparison to his achievements in boxing. He currently posts career averages of 0.25 points, 0.25 assists, and 0.50 in 6.50 minutes of action in over four games played.
