LOS ANGELES-With war drums beating and horns blaring to signal the arrival of Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, the apt red carpet welcome has been readied for the Filipino at the MGM Grand.
Pacquiao will be welcomed like royalty or top celebrity and guest that have visited this magnificent edifice guarded by gigantic golden lions. The song popularized by the rock group Queen “We Are the Champions” will be the background music announcing his arrival.
A final blessing by Christ the King parish priest Rev. Fr. Antonio Cacciapuoti and the entire congregation capped Sunday’s activities even as Pacquiao refused to take a day off as he run up the hills of Griffith Park.
The Pacquiao-Erik Morales battle which has entered its final countdown, will be shown on pay-per-view on March 19.
A 10-vehicle convoy will drive to Las Vegas after Pacquiao closes camp at the Wild Card gym early in the morning. He is expected to be in the gambling capital of the world at 6 p.m.
Morales will also get the same red-carpet treatment but he is scheduled to arrive from Mexico City Tuesday on a private jet.
“Manny is 100 percent ready. The only concern we have right now is for Manny not to experience a burn-out,” said strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune, who will accompany Pacquiao on his morning jog and stretching and abdominal work.
Pacquiao will also spar for three rounds before Team Pacquiao sets its doable goal of conquering the boxing world.
“There is a fine line in conditioning, from being 100 percent and falling on the verge of burning out,” added Fortune. “Freddie (Roach) and I will make sure Manny will be ready for anything Morales can offer.”
“Right now, Manny can go non-stop for 12 rounds will all guns blazing,” said Fortune.
Pacquiao had a hearty lunch at Barrio Fiesta and spent the rest of the afternoon shopping with additional members of his entourage. Later in the evening, he went to the airport to fetch his lovely wife Jinkee.
“Mananalo ‘yan si Manny,” said Jinkee as she prepared and packed her husband’s clothes.
Pacquiao also packed his boxing gear and contemplated on which among the five pairs of identical Pony-brand white boxing shoes he will bring.
It will be Pacquiao’s third fight in Las Vegas, all at the MGM Grand the first being in June 2001 when, as a heavy underdog, he mauled Lehlo Ledwaba to win the International Boxing Federation super-bantam crown.
The second time he fought at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, Pacquiao was held to a 12-round split draw by Juan Manuel Marquez in May 2004.
