It was really not an unfamiliar scene.
For the fifth time in Manny Pacquiao?s young, nine-year boxing career, his arrival at the airport late Friday night from the US was met with radiant klieg lights and blinding flashbulbs, as well as every gadget that could capture every movement and utterance from the champion who once was just a dreamy-eyed country boy from General Santos City.
But Pacquiao?s homecoming via Northwest flight 001, which touched down at the runway at 9:40 p.m. Friday night, was the most anticipated return of the newly crowned featherweight king. And for good reason.
?He?s already surpassed Flash Elorde as the best boxer from the Philippines,? believed Ramon Lainez, one of the owners of Pacquiao?s mother gym in downtown Manila and one of the vitals cogs in Team Pacquiao.
