HOLLYWOOD ? Manny Pacquiao returns Monday (Tuesday, Manila time) to the same site where he accomplished some of his greatest triumphs he leaves for Las Vegas, Nevada for the final week leading to his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship bout with Sugar Shane Mosley.
A convoy of vehicles, including the customized Pacquiao bus, is expected to accompany the eight-time world champion in the four-hour trip from here to the so-called ?Sin City? of the world.
The journey to the desert reunites Pacquiao with Las Vegas for the first time in two years since stopping Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in the 12th round to win the WBO 147-lb. belt.
The ?Entertainment Capital? of the world also famous for its casino resorts, was likewise home to Pacquiao?s sensational victories over such greats as Oscar De La Hoya, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez and Ricky Hatton.
The 32-year-old Filipino hopes to add Mosley to that elite list.
Although facing a 39-year-old challenger believed to be already way past his prime, Pacquiao said he?s not taking Mosley for granted.
For the 12-round bout, the boxing great went seven weeks in training, three of which were spent in Baguio City.
And even before he leaves for Las Vegas aboard his Navigator late in the afternoon, the boxer-turned-congressman from Sarangani province will still spar for the last time at the Wild Card gym here against Shawn Porter and Rey Beltran in officially closing his training camp.
?Kundisyon na tayo. Last sparring na sa Monday (today),? said Pacman.
Pacquiao took a break from his rigorous training Sunday by attending services in the morning at the Christ The King Church and then spending the rest of the day at his high-end apartment at The Palazzo.
In the evening, a bible prayer was held in honor of Pacquiao?s safety and victory during the fight.
Accompanied by trainer Freddie Roach, assistants Buboy and Flash Fernandez, Nonoy Neri, strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, adviser Michael Konz and wife Jinkee, members of his family and close friends, Pacquiao is expected to arrive in Las Vegas just before midnight.
The following day (Tuesday, U.S. time) both Pacquiao and Mosley will be welcomed during a ?grand arrival? at the lobby of the MGM Grand by Top Rank chief and fight promoter Bob Arum.
On Thursday (Friday, Manila time), the champion, challenger and their respective corners face the media once more for the final press conference of the fight.
Finally, official weigh-in will be held Friday afternoon (Saturday morning, Manila time).
