PBA: Pacquiao penciled in to play in Legends Game of All Star Weekend

(Updated 9:25pm) Former eight-time boxing world champion Manny Pacquiao might be gracing the PBA All Star festivities in Digos, Davao Del Sur later this week. “Tinawagan ako ni Governor [Douglas] Cagas, sinabi niya sa akin na gusto nga raw maglaro ni Congressman Pacquiao sa All Star,” said PBA Media Bureau Chief Willie Marcial. “Tinanong ko si Commissioner [Chito Salud] kung payag siya at sabi naman niya walang problema,” Marcial said. “Yung PBA All Star naman para sa ikatutuwa yan ng PBA fans at siguradong matutuwa sila lalo kung kasama si Congressman Pacquiao,” Marcial added. Pacquiao’s inclusion is still not set in stone as Marcial has yet to iron out the details with Pacquiao’s camp. However, if the plan pushes through, the Filipino boxing icon will take part in the Greats versus Stalwarts game on Friday, which sees two teams composed of former and current PBA players. Team Stalwarts features PBA alums Benjie Paras, Dickie Backman, Topex Robinson, and Bong Ravena, while Team Greats will be bannered by Jerry Codinera, Bong Hawkins, Vince Hizon, Noli Locsin, and Johnedel Cardel.

Comm. Chito Salud on Cong. Manny Pacquiao's possible PBA All-Star playing appearance: The PBA is happy to (cont) tl.gd/n_1rk1v6t

— pbaconnect (@pbaconnect) April 30, 2013

In a later statement, PBA commissioner Chito Salud said, "The PBA is happy to provide Pacman this cross-training opportunity as he awaits the confrimation of his next fight. Our basketball legends and stars will surely give the ultimate boxing legend the workout that he's craving for. Game on!" Pacquiao has always been fond of basketball. The left-handed boxer often plays pick-up games in General Santos to pass the time. He even has his own basketball team where he is the starting point guard. In his preparation for his fourth fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao even shot hoops with NBA legends Charles Barkley and Reggie Miller. - CLP, GMA News