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.

 
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.

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.

Also joining the horde of fans saluting Pacquiao were Talk ‘N Text forward Kelly Williams and Air21 center Asi Taulava.

 
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford and San Miguel Beer playmaker Chris Ross poke fun at the erstwhile undefeated Bradley.

Ross also tweeted that Pacquiao's mother Dionesia reportedly extended some Filipino hospitality towards the beaten Bradley.