Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown paid a visit to the Philippines on Tuesday as part of his Asian tour. NBA players typically visit Manila either for PR work or to simply explore the basketball-loving country. It’s no secret how Filipinos are huge fans of basketball and how much the culture has adopted the American sport.
While fans were thrilled to see the Celtics superstar touch base in Manila, Brown himself couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet a Filipino icon. The man in question is none other than boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Brown and Pacquiao linked up at the boxing legend’s mansion located in General Santos City in the Mindanao region. Brown had the opportunity to meet his boxing idol and also had a chance to play a chess match against him.
Apparently, Brown is a boxing fan and would love to train in the combat sport one day. Particularly, the Celtics star would love to train under the guidance of Pacquiao.
“Maybe one day, maybe the next time I come back, I want to train (with you),” Brown said to Pacquiao.
Brown is just one of the many NBA stars who’ve visited the Manny. Last year, Dwight Howard also linked up with the boxing legend. Then, back in 2023, Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney also visited Pacquiao. There’s no denying how popular Manny has become in the United States, especially after winning 12 world titles in 8 different weight divisions.
Brown’s Asian tour came to a close on August 11 after his visit to Seoul, Korea. It’s clear that the Celtics star is capable of moving around after his surgery on his right knee. According to reports, Brown is expected to participate in the 2025 summer camp.
