Manny Pacquiao to promote Philippines's bid for 2019 Basketball World Cup

Manila: Boxing star Manny Pacquiao said that he would promote the Philippines' bid to host the 2019 International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Cup.

"I'm going to Tokyo with the Philippine delegation to help in our bid to host FIBA 2019," Pacquiao said in a statement on Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

FIBA will announce the host in the Japanese capital next month. The Philippines faces a fierce competition with China as host for the 2019 event.

The 36-year-old Pacquiao was famous around the world for holding boxing world titles in eight weight divisions. He lost to arch-rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the "Fight of the Century" in May.

Pacquiao is also an avid basketball fan. Last year he signed as playing coach of a team in the Philippine professional basketball league.