Manny Pacquiao not distracted with basketball, says brother

MANILA, Philippines – Though many seem to think Manny Pacquiao has too much going on his plate while juggling boxing and basketball, his brother begs to differ. 

Bobby Pacquiao, the younger brother of the world-renowned boxer, assured that Manny is not at all distracted from his upcoming fight against unbeaten New Yorker Chris Algieri on November 23. 

“Nasa sarili niya yun. Magaling si Manny mag-adjust,” said Bobby, himself a retired boxer, right after Manny’s PBA D-League team MP Hotel Warriors suffered a forgettable debut loss against the Cafe France Bakers. (It’s in him. Manny can adjust well.)

“Pag nasa training siya ng boxing, talagang yun lang nasa isip niya. Hindi nag-iisip ng basketball, wala sa isip niya yun,” added Bobby, who is also the team manager for MP Hotel. (When he’s in boxing training, that’s all he thinks about. He doesn’t think about basketball, it’s not on his mind.) 

Manny made his Philippine Basketball Association debut last October 19 with KIA Sorento – for which he is a playing coach – in the league’s 40th season opener against fellow expansion team Blackwater Elite. 

(IN PHOTOS: Manny Pacquiao, KIA win PBA debut)

Manny played for the first 7 minutes of the contest but did not attempt a shot. Instead, his numbers on the stat sheet were two turnovers and a foul. 

KIA, however, made the 35 year-old Manny look good as a coach as the Sorentos completed a comeback for its first PBA win – a better start than Manny’s D-League team, which received a rude welcoming into the D-League. (READ: What is it like to be coached by Manny Pacquiao?)

Bobby insists his brother is very focused on his fight and that Manny is well-conditioned.

“Naka-focus kami sa training. Pinag-iisipan namin yung style ng kalaban, naka-focus kami sa ganoon,” he explained. “Nasa kundisyon na siya ngayon.” (We’re focused right now on training. We analyze the style of the opponent, we’re focused on that. He is in good condition right now.) 

The 8-division champion has been on the receiving end of flak with his participation in professional basketball. But after his first PBA game, Manny, who also has responsibilities as Congressman of Saranggani, has begged off from playing for KIA in the meantime, at least until after his bout.

Manny, who has been coaching his team with the help of his staff led by assistant coach Glenn Capacio, is expected to be more hands-on after the fight. Manny himself said his performance as a player will improve when he doesn’t have an upcoming fight to worry about. – Rappler.com