When Italian National Team Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco arrived in the Philippines, he had more on his agenda than just winning basketball games—he had a mission to meet Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
It turns out Coach Pozzecco is a self-confessed fan of the boxer, so when it came time for them to meet in the Pacquiao mansion, he was all smiles for the encounter.
In some photos shared by the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, Pozzecco and Manny posed for souvenir photos. They also had a one-on-one time showdown, not on the basketball court but in a battle of wits over a game of chess in the latter’s office.
Of course, the Italian basketball coach did not come empty-handed, gifting Pacquiao with his very own Italian national team jersey.
With recent reports hinting that Manny is eyeing a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics boxing team, there’s a chance these two sports titans might cross paths again in the future. After all, it’s a small world in the world of sports.
Meanwhile, Manny also opened his home to NBA star Klay Thompson, who recently arrived in the country to the delight of basketball fans in the Philippines.
