Andy Murray hopes to play tennis with Manny Pacquiao
Before flying to the Philippines for the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL), Andy Murray asked for suggestions through his Twitter account on what a first time Manila visitor should do. He got a unique reply from English boxer Alex Arthur who said the tennis star and reigning Wimbledon champion should sign up as Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partner.
“@andy_murray: @AlexArthur1 if he's heard about my raking left jab not sure he want any part of it....” Or your Tommy Hearns right cross! 👊
— Alex Arthur MBE (@AlexArthur1) November 26, 2014
Murray, now engaged Kim Sears, was welcomed by the sight of Manila traffic. With multiple contrusction sites near the airports, he saw a lot of heavy traffic from NAIA to EDSA Shangri-la where he attended the IPTL press conference.
After event, Murray got the chance not to spar but to have a picture taken with Pacquiao. The eight-division world champion is popular in the United Kingdom where Murray is from ashe knocked out British fighter Ricky Hatton in two rounds.
Hoping to see @MannyPacquiao on the court sometime soon.. #Legend #IPTLManila pic.twitter.com/w3VKzP6Pvl
— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) November 27, 2014
As Pacquiao is an active professional boxer, a pastor, and a Congressman, it’s highly unlikely that Murray is going to get his wish for Pacman to pick up another sport.
Pacquiao also had his picture taken with Gael Monfils and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga who is popular in the boxing circles as he resembles the legendary Muhammad Ali.
Look who joined us at the Gala dinner. World famous boxer @MannyPacquiao AKA Pac-Man! @tsonga7 @Gael_Monfils pic.twitter.com/iG5ABCTJp5
— IPTL (@iptl) November 27, 2014