Manny Pacquiao swaps boxing ring for the basketball court as he makes professional debut for KIA Sorento

  • The 35-year-old made a seven-minute cameo appearance for Philippine side KIA Sorento
  • Manny Pacquiao, who is the player-coach, helped his side claim victory
  • The welterweight boxer faces Chris Algieri on November 22 in Macau

By Ap Reporter

Published: 06:32 EST, 19 October 2014 | Updated: 11:42 EST, 19 October 2014

Manny Pacquiao swapped the boxing ring for the basketball court this weekend as he made his professional basketball debut on Sunday, just a month before he is set to defend his WBO welterweight crown.

Pacquiao started Sunday's game for the newly formed KIA Sorento of the Philippine Basketball Association.

The 35-year-old played only seven minutes and committed two turnovers in his team's 80-66 win over the Blackwater Elite at Philippine Arena.

VIDEO Scroll down to see footage from Manny's non-competitive debut 

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao shoots for the basket during his basketball debut on Sunday

Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao shoots for the basket during his basketball debut on Sunday

Pacquiao attempts to dribble past two opposition players during his first game for KIA Sorento

Pacquiao attempts to dribble past two opposition players during his first game for KIA Sorento

The 35-year-old is more accustomed to fighting in the ring than shooting hoops on the court

The 35-year-old is more accustomed to fighting in the ring than shooting hoops on the court

Boxing icon Pacquiao, who joined the pro league team as a player-coach, played in a pre-season game earlier this month, finishing with one point and two turnovers after a 10-minute stint.

Pacquiao said after the game he would take a break from his KIA duties to focus on the defence of his WBO welterweight crown on November 22 in Macau against undefeated junior welterweight champion Chris Algieri.

At 5ft 6in tall, Pacquiao does not have the typical stature of a basketball player, but is a big fan of the sport.

The welterweight boxer, who is 5ft 6in tall, leaps in the air while practising his basketball skills

The welterweight boxer, who is 5ft 6in tall, leaps in the air while practising his basketball skills

Pacquiao played just seven minutes of his side's 80-66 win against the Blackwater Elite at Philippine Arena

Pacquiao played just seven minutes of his side's 80-66 win against the Blackwater Elite at Philippine Arena

Pacquiao, who played in a pre-season game earlier this month,  joined KIA Sorento as a player-coach

Pacquiao, who played in a pre-season game earlier this month,  joined KIA Sorento as a player-coach

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