EMAN BACOSA Pacquiao has clarified that his recent cryptic TikTok repost was not directed at Jillian Ward amid online speculations.
During an interview with the press for his brand launch for a Filipino wellness brand on Thursday, March 19, Bacosa-Pacquiao addressed the now-deleted post, which read, “I can fight 100 men who want you, but I can’t fight a guy you want.”
“Wala namang specific ‘yung ano ko. About din naman ‘yun sa family and friends ko,” he explained. “Siyempre, close friend ko siya; gusto ko rin siya i-support at i-protect. Hindi as a lover. As a friend.”
The young boxer was tight-lipped about whether he’s courting the actress but emphasized that they are “good friends” at the moment.
“Secret,” he said when asked if he’s courting Ward. “We’re really good friends. Sinusuportahan niya ako. Sinusuportahan ko rin siya. As in, friends. Nag-uusap kami minsan. Lumalabas.”
Bacosa-Pacquiao emphasized that his priority remains his career and family and that he is setting aside his love life for now.
Ward and Bacosa-Pacquiao have become the center of shippers online after the latter revealed that his celebrity crush is the young actress. Ward recently showed support for Bacosa-Pacquiao during his boxing match in Bohol.
Bacosa-Pacquiao is set to make his acting debut in “Never Say Die,” top-billed by Ward and David Licauco. He is also set to star in the upcoming boxing-drama series “Kamao,” starring Anton Vinzon.
Meanwhile, as an ambassador for a wellness brand, Bacosa-Pacquiao champions a healthy lifestyle.
“I eat healthy food. I exercise. I keep my body in shape all the time para rin sa mga fight,” he said, adding that he also does a social media detox before his boxing matches. (Jessica Ann Evangelista © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
