The hottest tickets are in town, courtesy of Manny Pacquiao loyalist Cris Aquino.
The bubbly businessman and close friend of the Filipino superstar arrived last Monday from the US, carrying with him a wad of fight tickets and good news concerning Pacquiao.
Aquino, perennial flag-bearer in recent Pacquiao fights, brought home tickets to the Pinoy icon?s rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez, set March 15 in Las Vegas, worth $28,000 or roughly P1.1 million
?It?s better to be early than sorry,? said Aquino of his huge purchase 34 days left before the big fight. He brought home 30 tickets worth $600 each, 20 at $400 and 10 at $200 each
?These are for friends who want to get them in advance. We have good reason to buy them early because in the Internet, the nice $600 tickets are now going for as high as $3,000,? he said.
Top Rank president and Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum has reserved a section of the $600-a-seat area for Filipino fight fans ?so they would look nice and solid? on TV cheering for Pacquiao.
Aquino was in Las Vegas for a recent gun show (he?s in the firearms business) then spent a few days in Los Angeles, hooking up with Pacquiao who?s now deeply training at Hollywood?s Wild Card Gym
Aquino saw for himself how hard Pacquiao is working for the rematch.
?He is really taking it to heart. He knows the importance of this fight, and the bigger opportunities that will open should he win. He?s not leaving anything to chance,? he said.
Aquino said Pacquiao told him that he already has ?the key? to victory.
?But whatever it is, only Manny knows. But he kept telling me ?nasa akin na ang susi sa panalo,?? said Aquino, adding that Pacquiao has limited his activities while training in LA.
?He doesn?t go out except for training and important business matters. He now knows how to turn down invitations when it has nothing to do with the fight. He has really changed,? he said.
