Polish President Shows Off Boxing Skills to Legend Manny Pacquiao

Polish President Karol Nawrocki has displayed his boxing skills during a training session with Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines, providing a sporting highlight during his official visit to the Southeast Asian country.

The session took place at the Elorde Boxing Gym in Parañaque City, where Pacquiao held the training pads as Nawrocki demonstrated his punches and boxing technique. Video footage of the encounter was shared by Pacquiao on social media, drawing attention to the unusual meeting between a national leader and one of boxing’s most celebrated champions.

Pacquiao, who won world titles across eight weight divisions during his professional career, described the encounter as an honour. In a post accompanying the video, he wrote that it was a privilege to train with the Polish president.

Nawrocki, a lifelong combat-sports enthusiast and former amateur boxer, appeared comfortable inside the gym as he worked through the session with the former world champion. The meeting offered a glimpse of his interest in boxing beyond his responsibilities as head of state.

The training session took place during Nawrocki’s three-day official visit to the Philippines. He met Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at Malacañang Palace on October 6, as the two countries pursued closer cooperation, including an agreement on fighting crime. Nawrocki was described in reports as the first Polish head of state to undertake a state visit to the Philippines since diplomatic relations between the countries were established in 1973.

For Pacquiao, the encounter comes as he takes on a new role in public service. The former senator was appointed head of the Philippines’ National Anti-Poverty Commission in September, marking his return to a government leadership position after years in boxing and politics.

Pacquiao has drawn parallels between boxing and tackling poverty, saying both demand discipline, resilience and determination. The meeting with Nawrocki therefore offered a lighter sporting moment during a visit otherwise focused on diplomatic engagement.

The footage has also highlighted Nawrocki’s personal interest in combat sports, showing a different side of the Polish president away from formal meetings and official ceremonies.