LAS VEGAS ? As the clock struck 9 p.m. Thursday, the security staff of Manny Pacquiao began escorting visitors and friends outside the swanky suite of The Hotel at Mandalay Bay, politely telling them that it?s bedtime for their idol.
But just before Pacquiao headed towards the comfort of his fancy room, he managed to accommodate a request for a short interview, sounding certain that everything will turn out well Saturday night against Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand.
?I have only one thing in mind and that is to come out a winner,? said Pacquiao after a hearty dinner of vegetable, chicken, beef and two kinds of fish that was matched with steamed rice.
Still, Pacquiao stressed that his fate is not in his hands but nonetheless made the assurance that he has done everything possible to guarantee that he will answer the opening bell in his darn best.
Pacquiao has reached his peak after five weeks of training in Los Angeles and two weeks in the Philippines and is just maintaining his current physical and mental condition to avoid getting burned out.
And during Thursday?s afternoon workout at the Top Rank headquarters, Pacquiao just went through the motions of his last training session as the official weighin will be held Friday afternoon.
?I just did four rounds with the mitts and did a few rounds shadowboxing and skipping rope,? said Pacquiao, who turns 34 on Dec. 17 and is hosting a grand party in his native General Santos City.
Pacquiao said making 147 lbs is not his concern.
?I even eat a lot because I have to weigh a bit heavy,? said Pacquiao, who ate dinner twice, one at 5 p.m. after his last workout, and another at around 8 p.m.
