PBA, NBA players react to Manny Pacquiao's win
Congratulatory words from several figures in sports and show business poured in for Filipino pride Manny Pacquiao following his impressive unanimous decision victory over American Timothy Bradley Jr. in their highly-anticipated rematch for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title Saturday night (Sunday afternoon, Manila time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Gilas Pilipinas standouts Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine and Ginebra’s LA Tenorio, were the first ones to congratulate Pacquiao, who showed flashes of his old brilliance throughout that enabled him to get back at Bradley after absorbing a controversial split decision setback in June 2012.
Congrats @MannyPacquiao! Put on a great show! Truly one of the greats.
— Gabe Norwood (@GNorwood5) April 13, 2014
Never underestimate the HEART of a Champion! Congratulations Manny!! 👊👊👊 #Pacman
— L.A Tenorio (@LA_Tenorio) April 13, 2014
Even Brooklyn Nets star Paul Pierce took some time to send praises for Pacquiao, who once joined Pierce and his former team, the Boston Celtics, during the celebration of the 2008 NBA title against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gobble Gobble PAC -man is back
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) April 13, 2014
Gilas Pilipinas head coach Chot Reyes, who watched the bout live along with his wife, also posted several pictures with Pacquiao while congratulating his fellow Pinoy champion.
NO WAY DESERT RETREAT WINS THIS. Manny was sharp, smart, super!!!
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) April 13, 2014
YES!!!! #PUSO!!! CHAMP!!! pic.twitter.com/MuK0HHInnz
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) April 13, 2014
Maraming Salamat sa ticket, Champ! Til our next dinner pic.twitter.com/EBQ0xWgt57
— Chot Reyes (@coachot) April 13, 2014
Also joining the horde of fans saluting Pacquiao were Talk ‘N Text forward Kelly Williams and Air21 center Asi Taulava.
Met with the Champ. Told him go ahead & get his belt back! :) Congrats Manny! #mabuhay #risehigher http://t.co/2mHqpX6bTM
— Kelly Williams (@KelWilliams21) April 13, 2014
Congrats Pacman! 👍👍👍💪💪💪👊👊👊👏👏👏
— Asi Taulava (@agelessasi88) April 13, 2014
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford and San Miguel Beer playmaker Chris Ross poke fun at the erstwhile undefeated Bradley.
Did Bradley throw up his hands to try and trick the judges again?
— Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) April 13, 2014
Never seen an "undefeated" champ look so sloppy and throw so many haymakers
— Chris Ross (@cmross6) April 13, 2014
Ross also tweeted that Pacquiao's mother Dionesia reportedly extended some Filipino hospitality towards the beaten Bradley.
Mommy D just invited Tim Bradley over to the hotel for some lumpia, adobo and pansit. #filipinohospitality #filipinoheart
— Chris Ross (@cmross6) April 13, 2014