MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao’s PBA peers and foes will all be with him in spirit as the boxing icon puts aside his duties as the KIA Carnival playing coach to focus on his preparation for the biggest fight in his boxing career.
His Kia team is only too willing to let him concentrate on the biggest challenge at hand.
The PBA bosses, meanwhile, consider the sealing of the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight a welcome development even as they lose a big attraction in the Kia games.
“Yes we welcome this development. This is what the whole world is waiting for. The PBA family is behind coach Manny Pacquiao. His success is our success,” said PBA board chairman Patrick Gregorio.
“As a fight fan, his colleague in the basketball community and his compatriot, I together with the rest of our countrymen wish him all the best. May he be safe from harm and successful in his goal,” said PBA commissioner Chito Salud.
“He carries the weight of expectations of an entire nation and those fight fans who want to see Mayweather finally beaten. Let it be a motivation and not a burden, and it is in this context that I for my part and all others in the PBA support him,” Salud also said.
Kia top official Ginia Domingo said they’re graciously letting Pacquiao take a leave from his basketball coaching chores.
“This is for the country. I’m sure our PBA fans will be gracious and understanding given this big challenge that our Pambansang Kamao will be facing,” said Domingo.
“Columbian Autocar Corp. together with team Kia Carnival wishes Cong. Manny Pacquiao the best of luck. Our prayers are with him in what is probably the biggest challenge on Cong. Manny’s career,” she added.
Pacquiao is leaving the Carnival as they contend for a first PBA playoff appearance in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.
He scored a PBA career first point and the Carnival made it a big event with a 95-84 upset of defending champion Purefoods Star Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
In the post-game interview, Pacquiao said he would continue to see some action until the Mayweather fight isn’t done.
It’s easy to expect Pacquiao would now fade from the PBA scene.
Kia, however, will continue to have a battery of coaches led by chief assistant coach Chito Victolero and consultant Joe Lipa.
It’s doubtful whether Pacquiao would keep his participation in the Blitz Game (Rookies versus Sophomores) in the PBA All-Star Week in Puerto Princesa, Palawan March 5-8.