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Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao ‘not afraid to die’ helping fellow Filipinos during coronavirus pandemic


BOXING legend Manny Pacquiao says he is “not afraid to die” to help the Philippines battle through the coronavirus outbreak.

The 41-year-old has battled some of the biggest names on the planet throughout his glittering career inside the ring.

 Manny Pacquiao says he is ‘not afraid to die’ to help the Philippines battle through the coronavirus outbreak

Manny Pacquiao says he is ‘not afraid to die’ to help the Philippines battle through the coronavirus outbreakCredit: Getty Images

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Now the star, who is a senator in his home country, is helping to fight a much-more deadlier opponent.

Over 340,000 cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed worldwide, claiming more than 14,000 lives.

Out of those statistics, 380 cases are from the Philippines with 25 deaths reported.

Pacquiao has himself bought 50,000 testing kits and 700,000 face masks from China to try and stop the deadly disease.

And Pac-Man says he will do anything to protect his countryman.

Pacquiao told Sports.MB.com: “You have to lead and let people see that you are with them.

“You must not hide because you are afraid of dying.

“I grew up poor. I know what they (poor people) feel.”

Pacquiao defeated Adrien Broner in January 2019 and followed that up by capturing the WBA (Super) welterweight title by beating Keith Thurman in July.

Since then there has been talk of a unification fight with Errol Spence Jr., a clash with Mikey Garcia or a bumper rematch against Floyd Mayweather.

But the icon is adamant boxing is the last thing on his mind until his country returns to good health.

He added: “This is the first thing we need to pay attention to.”

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Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk


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