While Kobe Bryant is known as a supporter of Manny Pacquiao, the NBA superstar is yet to confirm whether he is rooting for the Filipino boxer over his African-American rival, Floyd Mayweather in their upcoming fight on May 2, Saturday, in Las Vegas.
Earlier this year, Bryant was asked who he thinks will win the fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr.
Instead of giving a prediction, the Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard told Inside Local, "Manny Pacquiao is going to have to make some adjustments."
Moreover, Bryant told the publication, "Floyd Mayweather is a boxing genius."
Along with other sports superstars Cristiano Ronaldo, Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova, both Pacquiao and Bryant are wearing Nike shoes.
Aside from boxing, Pacquiao is also into basketball. In fact, he became an honorary member of the Boston Celtics before become the playing coach of Kia Motors basketball team in the Philippines, as he officially announced on April 17, 2014.
As a basketball player, Pacquiao said he is inspired by Bryant.
"Players who want to try and be like him and make a name for themselves in basketball, or whatever sport they play, then they have to do the hard work in training," Pacquiao said of Bryant, The Post Game quoted him as saying.
As part of his preparation for his highly anticipated fight against Mayweather Jr., Pacquiao incorporates basketball in his training. He explained that "cross training with sports like basketball and its cutting moves help your strength and balance in your body."
Both Pacquiao and Bryant are 36 years old.