From one sports star to another, Filipino boxing legend Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao beams with pride over Alex Eala’s success while offering advice to the young tennis standout.
Tennis star Alex Eala shared how the entire family was glued to the TV screen at home whenever eight-division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao fought in the ring.
Now, the tables have turned as Pacman gushed and talked about pride whenever he watches Eala represent the Philippines on the global stage.
“Noong pinapanood ko siya maglaro, I’m so proud of her na talagang dala-dala ’yung flag ng Pilipinas. Kapag tinitignan ko siya, proud na proud ako sa kaniya kasi siyempre Pilipino,” Pacquiao said in an interview with News5.
The former eight-division world boxing champion is making headlines anew with his rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Sunday, September 20 (PH time) in Las Vegas.
It will be the first time the two boxing greats meet since their 2015 megafight, which Mayweather won by unanimous decision.
[RELATED: Manny Pacquiao raring to settle score vs Floyd Mayweather: ‘No excuses’]
Knowing firsthand the heavy weight of a nation's expectations—and the inevitable noise that comes with it—the boxing icon offered sage advice to the rising tennis star.
“Huwag mo pansinin ’yung mga [haters] kasi we cannot please everyone. Focus lang sa goal natin na makapagbigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa,” he said.
[RELATED: Alex Eala is always right where she needs to be]
Eala reached the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships earlier and climbed to a career-best No. 31 in the WTA rankings.
[RELATED: Alex Eala jumps to new career-high of world no. 31 in WTA rankings]
Despite her rapid rise, she remains grounded.
Asked if she could be the “new Pacquiao” at the Australian Open in January, Eala responded humbly.
“Iba naman si Manny Pacquiao, I think. Nasa ibang level na siya. Sa tingin ko, medyo malayo pa ako,” the 20-year-old lefty admitted.
Eala is expected to take part next in the main draws of the WTA 1000 tournaments at Indian Wells and the Miami Open next month.
(With reports from News5)
Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.