SACRAMENTO, California—The white trunks Manny Pacquiao wore during his victory over Keith Thurman last July 20 in Las Vegas was sold for $24,750 (roughly P1,262,250) during a charity auction held Wednesday.
In partnership with the Jimmy Kimmel Live team and Charitybuzz, the collector’s item will benefit research work for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), “a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord,” according to the ALS Association.
Dozens of bidders got into the action to acquire Pacquiao’s shorts that he used for 12 full rounds before 14,356 fans at the MGM Grand.
Pacquiao’s decision to donate his trunks for a cause is nothing new to the Filipino sports hero as he has been known to dig deep into his own pocket to help those in dire need of assistance.
Pacquiao’s association with Kimmel stretches back to the last 10 years as the fighter has appeared on the evening show a few times while getting ready for a big fight.
Since dealing Thurman his first defeat in 30 fights, Pacquiao has returned to the Philippines to attend to his senatorial duties and won’t be seeing action until the first quarter of 2020.
While Floyd Mayweather is dilly-dallying about a comeback, Pacquiao is hoping that the brash US fighter decides to give in to the clamor for a rematch.
More than four years ago, Mayweather scored a unanimous decision over Pacquiao.
In the event Mayweather stays retired, Pacquiao will likely face Puerto Rican Danny Garcia or Mexican-American Mikey Garcia. (NICK GIONGCO)