Italy coach Gianmarco Pozzecco all smiles as he poses for a picture with boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Photo from Manny Pacquiao’s Facebook
MANILA, Philippines–Italy coach Gianmarco Pozzecco finally got his wish and met Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao on Thursday posted a picture with Pozzecco, who even gifted the eight-division champion an Italy jersey with “Pacquiao” on the back.
“Thank you Coach Gianmarco Pozzecco. Nice to finally meet you! 😁🥊 🇮🇹 🇵🇭,” Pacquiao wrote on social media.
In his own Instagram post, Pozzecco shared his recollection of meeting Pacquiao whom he considers “one of the greatest legends” in boxing. The two played chess with Pacquiao winning.
It was a true honor to meet one of the greatest legends in the history of sport. I took the L today in chess. See you on the ring for the rematch 🥊 Thank you Mr. Pacquiao ! 💙” Pozzecco posted.
THEY MET 🇵🇭🤝🇮🇹#FIBAWC📸 Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League
Posted by FIBA on Thursday, August 31, 2023
Ever since the Italians’ arrival in Manila for the Fiba World Cup, Pozzecco had been raring to see Pacquiao in the flesh.
“I want to meet Manny Pacquiao, so organize this kind of meet, please. Thanks,” Pozzecco said last week during the Fiba World Cup introductory press conference.
There were talks that Pacquiao was supposed to attend Gilas Pilipinas’ game against Italy on Tuesday at Araneta Coliseum but that plan did not push through.
Italy beat Gilas in that crucial clash, 90-83, eliminating the Philippines from contention while the Azzurri advanced to the second round.
In the post-game TV interview for that game, Pozzecco rued that Pacquiao wasn’t in the crowd.
Dominican Republic star Karl-Anthony Towns also linked up with Pacquiao in Manila.
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