Why Manny Pacquiao was absent from PBA draft

Filipino fight icon Manny Pacquiao's dream to become a PBA player finally came true on Sunday after he was drafted by Kia Motors.

 

The expansion club earlier announced that the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion had been appointed to coach the team in the PBA.

 

But Pacquiao himself was absent from the proceedings on Sunday because he embarked on a multi-city press tour to promote his upcoming fight with unbeaten American fighter Chris Algieri.

 

Top Rank promotions earlier released Pacquiao's itinerary for the press tour, which would have the fighters traveling some 27,000 miles from Asia to the United States.

(All times local)
 

Monday, August 25 - 2:00 P.M.

Macao Press Conference

The Venetian Macao - Florence Ballroom 2204

 

Tuesday, August 26 - 2:00 P.M.

Shanghai Press Conference

Sheraton Shanghai Pudong Hotel - Ballroom C

 

Friday, August 29 - 1:00 to 8:00 P.M.

Media Day with the San Francisco Giants

AT&T Park in San Francisco

 

Saturday, August 30

Private Event

The Venetian Las Vegas

 

Monday, September 1 - 4:00 to 5:30 P.M.

Dodger Stadium

Manny Pacquiao Throws Out the First Pitch for Dodgers vs. Nationals

 

Wednesday, September 3 - 11:00 A.M.

Los Angeles Press Conference

Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel - Los Angeles Room

2025 Avenue of the Stars

Los Angeles, Calif. 90067

 

Thursday, September 4 - 10:30 A.M.

New York Press Conference

Liberty Theater

234 West 42nd Street

New York, NY 10036

 

Thursday, September 4 - 4:00 P.M.

Ringing of the Closing Bell

New York Stock Exchange

 

Algieri will move up in weight to challenge for Pacquiao's world welterweight strap at a catchweight of 144 pounds on November 23 showdown at Cotai Arena in Macau.

 

Pacquiao also missed the two-day PBA draft combine held by the league. But PBA commissioner Chito Salud was quick to note that Pacquiao had a valid excuse for missing the event.

 

"The reasons stated in that notice are acceptable to my office. Why? He's training. You have to understand na nag-te-train siya for a big fight," Salud said in an interview with Mark Zambrano of GMA News.

 

 

Salud added that Pacquiao is always in touch with his office as the fighter tries to juggle his duties as a playing-coach while preparing for the bout against Algieri.

 

"Nagpapasabi ho lagi siya dito sa PBA," said Salud.

 

Pacquiao, for his part, said he doesn't expect any special treatment from the PBA.

 

"Susundin natin, hindi tayo pwedeng mag-violate sa mga rules and regulations sa PBA. Kailangang sundin natin," said Pacquiao. — JST, GMA News