LAS VEGAS ? If his luck at the blackjack table is a sign of things to come, Manny Pacquiao could be in for a nice weekend in Las Vegas, the world?s gambling capital.
Pacquiao hit the gambling tables even before his heavy breakfast had digested and, after a one-on-one with the blackjack dealer, took off $800 richer.
He did not keep the money though. Generous as ever, he distributed his winnings to his entourage, kept his $500 seed money and then went straight up to his 18th floor suite to rest.
That was a great start for his Vegas jaunt, the highlight of which is on Sunday when he fights Erik Morales in a highly-anticipated 12-rounder at MGM Grand.
He is guaranteed $1.72 million (R96 million) for this bout which makes his $800 (about P43,000) blackjack winnings a mere tip to his valet.
Pacquiao, a cockfighting aficionado and billiards buff, was surrounded by his supporters as he was playing blackjack. His wife Jinkee and a lady friend were also there while Pacquiao was keeping the cards close to his chest.
“He would have won more had he decided to stay longer,” said one of those present. “But Manny probably thought that was already enough that?s why he decided to stop. Baka siguro naisip nya na baka matalo pa kaya itinigil na niya.”
Pacquiao is also known to bet heavily in 9-ball and his late-night matches in Makati and other pool venues have become a concern for his handlers.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao has been given the green light to splurge on food since he will be fighting in the 130-lb category for the very first time.
But the General Santos City lefty knows that that freedom is rooted in responsibility so his diet remains in check.
“Hindi naman porke sabihin sa iyo na puwede kang kumain ay kahit ano na lang at marami ay kakain ka. Siyempre magkokontrol ka rin,” said Pacquiao, who will head to the IBA Compound just 10 minutes away from the MGM Grand to work out on Wednesday, and maybe, Thursday.
“I still don?t know if he?d still go here on Thursday because he?s already a bit bored training,” said Freddie Roach, the man tasked to lead Pacquiao to victory on fight night.
