The worlds of basketball and boxing collided this Tuesday in the Philippines with a meeting that surprised fans. Jaylen Brown, star of the Boston Celtics, made a special stop in General Santos City during his Asian tour to meet one of his greatest sporting idols: Manny Pacquiao.

How did the meeting between Jaylen Brown and Pacquiao unfold?

The Celtics forward didn’t limit his trip to Manila, the capital that usually hosts NBA stars on promotional visits. Instead, he traveled south to Pacquiao’s hometown, where the two legends spent time together at the boxer’s mansion.

They talked, posed for photos, and even played a game of chess. Brown, who has often expressed his love for boxing, was visibly excited to meet one of the sport’s all-time greats. He even hinted at training with the former world champion during a future visit.

“Maybe next time I come back, I’ll train with you,” said Brown with a smile, showing his interest in stepping into the boxing world.

Why does Manny Pacquiao attract NBA players?

This meeting adds to a growing list of NBA stars who have sought out Pacquiao. In 2023, Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney visited the Filipino legend, followed by Dwight Howard in 2024. The admiration Pacquiao commands in the United States highlights his impact as an eight-division world champion and cultural icon.

What did the Philippines mean for Brown’s tour?

Brown’s stop in the Philippines was part of his Asian tour, which wrapped up on August 11 after visits to Seoul, South Korea, and Manila. Beyond promotional events, the trip showcased that the 28-year-old forward is in good shape after undergoing knee surgery earlier this year.

According to U.S. reports, Brown is expected to be ready for the 2025 Celtics summer camp, where the team counts on him returning at full strength ahead of the new NBA season.