Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao flew to New York Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) to support his brother Bobby who will be facing World Boxing Council super featherweight contender Humberto Soto on June 9.
Pacquiao came from four-day vacation in Florida with his wife Jinkee, his two children and friend Winchell Campos.
Aside from being at ringside to provide moral support for Bobby, the “Pacman” will also receive the “Fighter of the Year Award” from the Boxing Writers Association.
Pacquiao said the Mexican will a difficult opponent but he believes that Bobby can pull off an upset.
The younger Pacquiao and Soto will be facing off in an undercard up for the Miguel Cotto-Zab Judah welterweight championship fight at the Madison Square Garden Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
Bobby said he felt good being back at the Garden, the venue of his big win against Kevin Kelly in June last year.
The younger Pacquiao said the training in Los Angeles with Freddie Roach was excellent.
The famed Roach said Bobby has the power to knock out Soto.
Soto, meanwhile, is also confident, saying that he plans to continue his winning streak.
“Like always I prepared intensely for this fight. I’m in excellent condition and feel very positive,” he said. With a report from Dyan Castillejo.
