Pacquiao steals show in Kadayawan caging

DAVAO CITY, Philippines —  Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao took a time out to join the Davaoeños in their celebration of the Kadayawan Festival here not on the streets but on the hardcourt.

The eight-division world champion caught everyone by surprise when he suddenly showed up at the Davao City Recreational Center and played for Royal Mandaya Hotel-City Mayor's Office team in an ongoing invitational basketball tournament highlighting Davao's annual festival.

The jampacked crowd then cheered on the fighting congressman from Sarangani province, chanting his name to the top of their voice as if Pacquiao was fighting in the ring.

As usual, Pacquiao was game enough to pose for a few photos with his legion of fans.

When Mayor Rodrigo Duterte arrived at the venue, he was surprised after seeing Pacquiao wearing their team's jersey. They then exchanged pleasantries, with Duterte assuring Pacquiao of his full support in his upcoming fight against Brandon Rios on November 24 at the Venetian Resort and Casino in Macau, China.

The 34-year-old Pacquiao played for only two quarters, finishing with four points, three rebounds and two assists.

In earlier interviews, Pacquiao said playing basketball is part of his conditioning most especially if he's  building up for a major bout.

Although he has already started his preparations for the Rios fight, Pacquiao's training camp will open in late September yet under the supervision of his celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach.

Pacquiao is itching to get back into the limelight after suffering back-to-back losses, the last via a stunning sixth round knockout at the hands of his Mexican arch-nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez. (FREEMAN)