Hulking Filipino player 'Extra Rice' hungry to beat Pacquiao on boxer's basketball debut

Manny Pacquiao will receive no special treatment on his first foray into professional basketball, a rival player has vowed, as the Philippine boxing superstar struggles with a hectic training schedule for both sports.

“I have no intention of hurting him, but I will play my normal game against him. I don’t have to change it just because he’s Manny Pacquiao,” the 27-year-old centre-forward of the league’s Rain or Shine team added.

“This is basketball. He won’t get an open shot or [be] allowed to drive past me,” Belga added.

Pacquiao, 35, has won world boxing titles in eight different weight divisions and was drafted by expansion team Kia in August even though he has no experience in high-level basketball.

He is known for playing intense pick-up games during breaks in training for bouts, and remains in top physical condition while enjoying a successful sunset to his career in the ring.