Pacquiao to go to Tokyo to help in PH’s FIBA World Cup bid
By Ivan Stewart Saldajeno
General Santos City—Mahindra Enforcers head coach Manny Pacquiao extended his help in boosting the Philippines’ bid to host the 2019 FIBA World Cup.
The former eight-division world boxing champion confirmed rumors that he will be part of the Philippine delegation going to Tokyo as the FIBA Central Board convenes in the said city on Aug. 7-9 to decide which among the Philippines and fellow Asian basketball powerhouse China will gain the right to host the prestigious international tournament.
“Yes, I’m going to Tokyo with the Philippine delegation to help in our bid to host FIBA 2019,” said Pacquiao, whose Enforcers squad, formerly the Kia Carnival, showed gradual improvement from their PBA debut in the Philippine Cup.
Should the Philippines win the hosting rights, the FIBA World Cup will likely be held in three arenas in Metro Manila including the soon-to-be-completed Solaire Arena in Parañaque, the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, and another stadium under construction, the SM Cebu Arena in Cebu.
