Pac-Yao: Manny meets China’s famous beanpole

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao recently rubbed elbows with Asia’s most recognizable basketball figure.

Actually, it’s more like his shoulder rubbing Yao Ming’s elbow.

The Filipino boxing icon, along with his upcoming opponent Brandon Rios, met Yao Wednesday in Shanghai, China, as part of efforts to promote their Nov. 24 fight at the luxurious Venetian Macao in Macau.

In the above photo taken by Chris Farina for Top Rank Promotions, the 7-foot-6 Yao is flanked by Rios and Pacquiao, who is seen measuring his height against the former NBA star.

Pacquiao stands 5-foot-6 while Rios is taller at 5-foot-9.

Aside from China, Pacquiao and Rios are scheduled to make stops in Singapore, New York and Los Angeles as part of their worldwide promotional  tour.

Yao retired from the NBA in 2011 after playing for eight seasons for the Houston Rockets. He recently visited Manila to join the Shanghai Sharks – a team he owns – for the Philippines-China Friendship Games featuring a couple of exhibition games with Smart Gilas Pilipinas and a PBA selection last May.