In sparring, he shows no mercy to Kia players, champ says: Stay cool

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao broke the nose of his sparring partner a couple of weeks back and reports said he knocked another down in sparring the other day in General Santos City.

Pacquiao, the most exciting fighter of his time, is entering the final phase of his training for his title bout against the undefeated Chris Algieri on Nov. 23 in Macau.

The eight-division boxing champion is on leave as head coach of the Kia Sorento in the Philippine Basketball Association but is aware of what’s happening to his team.

He watches the games live on TV and gets daily updates from his team manager Eric Pineda and assistant coach Glen Capacio.

Last Tuesday, Kia’s game against Global Port was marred by a couple of player scuffles. Punches and elbows were thrown inside the court.

Pacquiao didn’t like what he saw.

During a break in training, he told GMA News that fighting has no place inside the court.

“Ang bilin ko sa kanila ay huwag silang mang-away (My reminder to them is don’t get into fights),” said the hard-hitting Filipino boxer.

“Huwag silang uminit (They should stay cool),” added Pacquiao.

Kia’s Chad Alonzo figured in a scuffle with Global Port’s Anthony Semerad in the closing seconds of the opening quarter. Both players drew technical fouls.

Moments after, Alonzo, an eight-year veteran, was caught by the camera on the bench, smiling as he related to his teammates how he elbowed his rookie opponent.

Later in the game, another commotion took place, this time involving Kia’s Riel Cervantes and Global Port’s Jewel Ponferrada.

Global Port won the highly-physical contest, 84-79.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud is soon expected to issue fines or even suspensions on any or all of the players involved in the scuffles.

But Pacquiao said no sanctions will come from within the Kia team.

He’s just reminding his players: Don’t get into fights.