NBA star Jaylen Brown meets Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines, says, “Next time I want to train in boxing.”

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown became the latest National Basketball Association (NBA) superstar to visit the basketball-crazy nation of the Philippines, making a stop in Manila for the first time on Tuesday, August 12.

Brown visited Manila as part of his 2025 Asia Tour, with the 2024 NBA champion meeting Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao at his residence. The two exchanged gifts upon meeting and even posed for a staredown.

The NBA superstar gifted Pacquiao a pair of shoes from his own line, while the former eight-division world champion gave Brown a signed pair of his boxing gloves.

Jaylen Brown hanging out with legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao in Manila 🥊🏀

(via Team Pacquiao)pic.twitter.com/WPohNPWDDB

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 12, 2025

Brown was thrilled to meet the Philippines’ greatest-ever sportsperson, revealing that he hopes to train in boxing with Pacquiao during his next visit to Manila.

“One day, the next time I come, I want to train in boxing. I believe other sports can help you with basketball — boxing, with footwork and stuff,” Brown said.

Pacquiao agreed and added that he enjoys playing basketball because it helps with his footwork.

“I also play basketball because it’s good for footwork,” Pacquiao added.

The two were also pictured playing a game of chess, a sport Pacquiao particularly enjoys.

Brown is not the only NBA superstar to have visited Pacquiao while in the Philippines. The likes of Klay Thompson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Dwight Howard, and Kevon Looney have all met the boxing legend in recent years.

Brown’s visit also comes on the heels of Ja Morant’s first trip to the Philippines, when he visited the capital on Friday, August 1. Morant was in Manila for his “Make Them Watch” tour, in association with sportswear giant Nike. He appeared at the Nike Courtyard in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), where the venue was packed with adoring fans.

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