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The Final Score: Pacquiao is NBA All-Stars’ Choice
By MICO HALILI
DALLAS, Texas - The stars came out for the Lone Star State for the 59th NBA All Star Game last Sunday (Monday morning in Manila). Celtics legend Bill Russell, hip-hop mogul P. Diddy, comedian Chris Tucker, rapper Drake, Knicks die-hard Spike Lee and actress Gabrielle Union dotted the glitzy landscape. During the game, another star quietly entered Cowboys Stadium. He strolled with his entourage and looked for his VIP seat.
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. made a nondescript entry into the scene. Cowboys Stadium was set aside for Mayweather versus Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather said, âNo thanks." Then, those who wanted to watch Floyd and Pacman in the ring, including many of the 2010 NBA All-Stars, retorted, âNo way." âOh, I was very, very disappointed that the fight didnât push through," West All-Star Chauncey Billups, a fan of Pacquiao, admitted. âI love Manny Pacquiao. Heâs one of the greats. I love his heart. I love his passion out there and he fights to the end." Many of the 2010 NBA All-Stars believe Pacquiao knocks out opponents the way LeBron James slams the ball. Successful athletes, after all, recognize skill and resolve the way Simon Cowell identifies talent. They also recognize a missed opportunity for Mayweather to test his greatness against Pacquiao. âPacquiaoâs just tenacious," West All-Star Brandon Roy said. âI mean he goes in there and not only gives a great show but a great fight, thatâs why you really want to see him in boxing. Heâs just a great athlete, a great competitor and he fights at a high level every night." âIâm very impressed with Manny Pacquiao," 1st time All-Star Deron Williams added. "Heâs arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter and the way he has been beating people has been ridiculous." Billups, Roy and Williams refused to predict a winner in a Pacquiao-Mayweather bout. They all agreed, though, that a showdown would feature two great fighters. âI donât know whoâll win that fight," 5-time All-Star Chris Bosh said. âThatâs why itâs going to be a great fight. No one knows whatâs going to happen."
Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao with Joshua Clottey and the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders during their press tour in Texas last month. AP
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