[Yonhap Photo]
Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao will measure his punch force and kicking skills with a former star player of South Korea's national football team for a Christmas fan service this weekend in Seoul.
The event Sunday at a Seoul hotel has been arranged after Pacquiao accepted a proposal by Kim Byung-ji, a retired goalkeeper, to measure their strength.
Pacquiao, 38, arrived in Seoul Friday at the invitation of rapper Psy who earned global fame for his "Gangnam Style" and horse-riding dance. The Filipino boxer will attend Psy's "All Night Stand 2016" concert Friday night at a baseball stadium in Seoul.
For his first trip to South Korea, Pacquiao, accompanied by his family, will participate in various events including fan meetings and a charity bazaar. At his Sunday contest, a device with a force sensor will be used to measure the strength of Pacquiao's punch and Kim's kick. The two will also test their football skills, Kim as a goalkeeper and Pacquiao as a penalty kicker.
At stake are 20 washing machines to be donated by Kim for Filipino housewives living in South Korea and 10 boxing gloves from Pacquiao.
Pacquiao is known as one of the greatest boxers of all time as he is the first and only eight-division world champion, having won eleven major world titles, as well as being the first boxer to win the lineal championship in five different weight classes. In June 2016, he was elected as a senator and will serve a six-year term until 2022.
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
