Dubai: Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is looking forward to his first visit to Dubai, but not to trade mitts in the square ring.
Pacquiao, the only boxer to win world titles in eight weight divisions, told Gulf News in a phone interview Friday that he will suit up for his team, Mahindra Enforcers, in a Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) game on November 6 at a yet-to-be-confirmed venue.
“I’m excited to meet my fans, especially the OFWs (overseas Filipino workers),” said Pacquiao. “It will be my first time to visit Dubai.”
Mahindra Enforcers will meet the Alaska Aces in the first of a two-game Dubai swing of the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round.
The Aces return to the hardcourt on November 7 to face fan-favourite Barangay Ginebra.
Dubai-based organiser Clique Events Company said the matches could be held either at Al Nasr Sports Club or Hamdan Sports Complex.
Pacquiao was earlier reported unfit to play in Dubai because of a shoulder injury he sustained in his fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. last May.
But the Enforcers’ playing-coach said he will see action against the Aces.
“I will play for my team,” said the Congressman from Sarangani Province, who is in Cebu City, Philippines to grace a shooting competition named after him.
No comment on Amir Khan
Pacquiao, however, declined to comment on reports of a fight against Amir Khan in the Middle East next year.
“I will be in Dubai for a PBA game on November 6 (Thursday), that much I can say for now,” Pacquiao said.
He will also be attending a business meeting in Dubai, but Pacquiao said he is not at liberty to discuss it.
Pacquiao likewise remained tight-lipped about his political plans. He is reportedly being offered a slot in the senatorial slate of various political parties ahead of next year’s elections.
- With additional inputs from Jobannie Tabada, Features Editor - Property Weekly
