BOXING legend Manny Pacquiao had to be told to self-isolate in his £7million mansion by neighbours after partying with a coronavirus victim.
Koko Pimentel, a Filipino senator and leading figure in the country’s ruling party, was seen with the 41-year-old at his residence in the Manila borough of Makati.
The party took place in the early weeks of the pandemic, long before recent talk of a return to the boxing ring against Conor McGregor, and Pimentel began experiencing symptoms ten days later, taking a test that came back positive.
Given the illness is thought to carry up to a 14-day incubation period, local residents were worried that Pacquiao could spread it further.
A letter sent to the eight-division world champion, now also a senator in the Philippines, instructed him and his family to self-isolate.
Pacquiao‘s property on the outskirts of the capital city has been his home since 2012, when he bought it for £7m.
The amazing mansion, which features a tennis court, pool and large dining room, is also home to his wife Jinkee and their five children.
The residents’ letter told the boxer: “Many of your colleagues in Senate have been identified to be Covid-19 positive. Therefore, you have to be quarantined at your own house.
“For your own family and household’s safety, please have yourself self quarantined, stay home. No one including any of your household can come out.
“If you need something, please call the barangay… We can procure things for you and send it to your doorstep.”
The country initially underwent a month-long lockdown prohibiting mass gatherings and closing non-essential shops.
But now that Pacquiao’s Covid-19 scare is behind him, he is nearing an agreement to fight McGregor.
According to Audie Attar, who represents both fighters, positive talks have taken place over a bout in December or January.
McGregor, 32, caused a social media frenzy on Friday night, when he tweeted: “Anyway all water under the bridge who gives a fook.
“I’m boxing Manny Pacquiao next in the Middle East.”
And, looking to do his bit to help the Flipino’s affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, Pacquiao’s office released a statement, reading: “For the sake of all the Filipino Covid-19 victims, Senator Manny Pacquiao will be fighting UFC superstar Conor McGregor next year.
“The huge portion of his earnings will proceed to those who are affected nationwide by the pandemic.”
