Nuki Sabio/PBA (file photo) |
By Josh Castro
SAN JUAN CITY--Before he steps up in training as he stakes his WBO welterweight championship against WBC and WBA titleholder Floyd Mayweather in a highly-anticipated unification fight on May 3, Manny Pacquiao will don the Kia colors one more time.
The eight-division world boxing champion will play for the Carnival as they battle fellow expansion side Blackwater in the lone Saturday night PBA Commissioner's Cup battle at the FilOil Flying V Arena. Tip-off is at 5 p.m.
“Kailangan pa rin magpakita para ganahan ang team,” Pacquiao said after Kia slayed another giant in Talk 'n Text on Wednesday.
Pacquiao also played for the Carnival in their recent meeting with the Elite, an 80-66 win in the season opener on Oct. 19 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
This will be the second time the San Juan arena will host a PBA match this conference. This, like the Alaska-NLEX battle two weeks ago, will also make up for the postponement of their supposed tiff in Mindanao.
The PBA originally scheduled the Kia-Blackwater game in Tubod, Lanao Del Norte, but the league decided to cancel the trip.
The Carnival, who earlier deposed other powerhouse squads San Miguel and Purefoods, look to extend their winning streak to three and barge to the .500 mark for the first time in their PBA stint.
The Elite, on the other hand, look to end their losing streak after they also shocked the Beermen for only their first win in the PBA.