By Michele Emrick
Manny Pacquiao sprained his ankle during a pickup basketball game. However, the injury did not prevent him from attending the 11th anniversary celebration of the “River of God” church, where he spoke with a large congregation who were hanging on his every word.
After the service, which was also attended by his wife and four children, Manny Pacquiao spoke to some members of the local media on a variety of topics.
He said during the interview that the injury occurred during his third straight game played of basketball from the previous evening, but dismissed the sprain saying, “It’s not the first time.” After saying it was not serious, he said that his failure to use an ankle support or tape on his ankles likely led to his being hurt.
Pacquiao also indicated that this injury will not keep him from continuing to play basketball, even once he begins to train seriously for his upcoming bout with Brandon Rios on November 24, in Macau. However, his trainer, Freddie Roach, has previously expressed his displeasure with Pacquiao continuing to play, for prceisely this reason.
At this time, Manny Pacquiao has been training moderately. He indicated that once Roach arrives in Pacquiao’s hometown of General Santos City in early October, training will begin in earnest.
Additionally, Manny Pacquiao indicated he was excited to return to action following almost a year layoff from action. He last competed on December 8, when he suffered a brutal knockout at the hands of longtime rival Juan Manuel Marquez. He is looking forward to meeting Rios because he believes “it’s a good fight, a good test and my opponent is good and very aggressive.”
When he was asked if he still believes he is among the elite in boxing, he added “that’s what I’m trying to prove to the people on November 24. It’s hard to say right now but I’m doing my best in training to show it to them.”
