IN PHOTOS: Manny Pacquiao, Yao Ming at 2019 FIBA World Cup bid

MANILA, Philippines  (UPDATED) – There’s nothing like a face-off between Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and Chinese former NBA player Yao Ming to show the stark contrast between the Philippines and China.

(LIVE: 2019 FIBA World Cup Final Pitch)

The 5-foot-5 Pacquiao and the 7-foot-6 Yao Ming stood face-to-face during the press conference early Friday, August 7, in Tokyo before the final bid ceremonies for the hosting of the 2019 FIBA World Cup.

The Philippines has long tried to overcome its evident height disadvantage in basketball, compensating for it with speed and “puso” or heart. (WATCH: Players, coach on why PH should host FIBA World Cup)

Both countries are vying for the right to host the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup with China clearly the dominant side with its experience in hosting large-scale sporting events.

The Philippines, on the other hand, is the underdog, relying on the nation’s passion for basketball to bolster its bid.

Both Pacquiao and Yao Ming are part of the delegations for the Philippines and China, respectively.

China and the Philippines presented their final pitches to the FIBA Central Board Friday in Tokyo. The Board will then decide who will host the next World Cup. (READ: Yao Ming to PH: Your presentation much better than ours)

The Philippines aimed to tug at the Board’s and viewers’ heartstrings, showing them the “Philippine basketball story” with images, videos and testimonies about how basketball is weaved tightly into the cultural fabric of Filipinos. (READ: Philippines tugs at hearstrings, China boasts progress)

Check out photos of Pacquiao and Yao Ming’s face-off during the press conference Friday:

– Rappler.com