HOLLYWOOD – They may not be able to watch the fight, but four former PBA star players including one former MVP are one in supporting Manny Pacquiao in his rematch against world welterweight champion Tim Bradley.
Kenneth Duremdes, Marlou Aquino, Rodney Santos, and Jose Francisco showed up at the Wild Card gym on Thursday to cheer the Filipino boxing icon for his April 13 (Manila time) title fight.
“Siyempre, andito kami para suportahan si Manny kahit sa training man lang,” said Duremdes, the 1998 PBA MVP from General Santos City, who is a known close pal of the eight-time world champion.
Duremdes, Aquino, and Santos came all the way from Canada where members of the PBA Legends touring group played a series of exhibition games against local teams.
Joining them were fellow ex-PBA stars Jerry Codinera, Bal David, Vince Hizon, and Noli Locsin.
“Dumaan na rin kami dito kahit paano para makita lang si Cong (Manny), “ said Santos, the former star forward out of San Sebastian. “Although uuwi na kami lahat by Monday.”
The four eagerly waited for Pacquiao to finish his Thursday training at the Wild Card gym before hooking up with the boxing great and exchanging pleasantries while he took an early dinner at the nearby Thai restaurant.
The three later asked for autographs and gamely took pictures of Pacquiao as the 36-year-old future Hall of Famer was about to leave home.
Aquino is bound for Manila on Sunday, while Duremdes and Santos, former temmates at Alaska, are set to leave on Monday.
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