There are very few things that can shock Manny Pacquiao. The only eight-division champion in boxing is a rare phenomenon even amongst the greats and has achieved records that others can only dream of. On Friday, PacMan attended the IBA Championship night in Dubai. Also in attendance were popular boxing figures like Terence Crawford, Ben Whitaker, Shannon Briggs, and Derek Chisora. The IBA Champions’ Night is a platform for young boxing talents and helps to bridge amateur and professional boxing under the IBA framework.

In the rarest of circumstances, the 45-year-old was taken by surprise and awe when he met with the world’s tallest female boxer and kickboxer, Katsiaryna Kavaleva. Elie Seckbach, the ESNews reporter, captured the heartwarming moment between the two fighters and even got an interview with Kavaleva later.

Reach advantage helps outside of boxing too

The Kibawe native was meeting his fans outside of the Rocky Road Gym in Dubai, ahead of the event. That is when he saw Kavaleva and remarked, “So tall,” while being in awe of the boxer’s height. The Belarusian made her way to the front and asked for a selfie with the boxing legend. Pacquiao, ever the gentleman, obliged and tried to take a selfie with his fan.

However, as his arms were too short compared to Kavaleva’s, the 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing bronze medalist had to take over. Pacquiao handed her the phone and she clicked away. Seckbach captioned the interaction, “Wow @mannypacquiao meets the tallest female boxer in the world 6’6 @katarina.kavaleva,” while sharing it on Instagram.

However, the 6’4 kickboxer decided to play a harmless prank and started recording a video instead of a selfie. The boxing legend burst into laughter and exclaimed, “Video,” as soon as he realized what was happening. The pair then clicked several pictures with the help of the crowd before Manny Pacquiao left for the event.

Seckbach later caught Kavaleva backstage and interviewed her regarding the meeting with Pacquiao and several other things in her career.

A memorable encounter with Manny Pacquiao

Kavaleva first cleared the fact that she has never faced any female fighter taller than her. “No, never, I was always the tallest,” stated Kavaleva before revealing her height at 6’4 without shoes and “6’7-7’0, depends upon the shoes.”

The reporter then asked her about the meeting with Manny Pacquiao. With a huge smile on her face, the Belarusian kickboxer explained, “I just come to him and asked him if it was possible to do the photo. After some of the guys asked me whether I am a volleyball player,” a question that she receives very often.

Kavaleva then remarked that her height has always left people in awe and Manny Pacquiao was no different. “Pacquiao was like, ‘Heavyweight,’ and I was like ‘Yeah,” recalled the fighter before mentioning that PacMan also wanted a selfie with her. “But his arms is shorter than mine, so I took his phone and I record the video and it was all so funny,” chuckled Kavaleva.

The Belarusian then listed down her kickboxing achievements including her world title and how she wants to make a name for herself in boxing as well. So far, she has found it difficult to transition into professional boxing, but her bronze medal at the 2019 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships proves that she has the talent to do so.

We might see more of her in the future, but till then she will hold this meeting with Manny Pacquiao in high regard. Let us know your thoughts down below.