MANILA, Philippines – Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is proud of fellow Asian Jeremy Lin, a point guard of the New York Knicks who is making waves in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

"Jeremy Lin, I'm proud as an Asian," Pacquiao said in ESPN.com. "We're very proud of him. Keep up the good work."

Pacquiao is hoping to meet Lin, a Chinese-American graduate of Harvard University, at the sidelines of his media tour in New York City.

The Filipino boxer is currently touring the US to promote his WBO welterweight title fight against undefeated American boxer Timothy Bradley.

Pacquiao is an avid fan of basketball. He once owned a basketball team that played in Liga Pilipinas.

He said he admires Lin not only for his basketball skills but also for the way he professes his Christian faith.
Pacquiao said Lin serves as a role model for other talented athletes.

“Successful people should never forget the Lord. They owe him their gift and talent,” Pacquiao said. -- With a report from Steve Angeles, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau