LOS ANGELES ? Under the warm California sun Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez came face to face at the historic Plaza Olvera in downtown LA.
And with their respective fans hooting in the open-air venue, the press conference that took place at noon turned out to be a great preview of Saturday?s clash.
?You?re going down Pacquiao!? a burly Mexican fan shouted at the top of his lungs as Pacquiao prepared to deliver his short short speech.
Plaza Olvera is a famous Mexican landmark in downtown LA, and Mexicans who came to root for their WBC super-featherweight champion held their ground.
Pacquiao, never in a combative mood outside the ring, was gentle as he spoke to the crowd.
?I know you want Marquez to win because he trained hard. But I trained hard, too,? said Pacquiao as the jeering continued among the fans.
Pacquiao smiled and flashed the peace sign as he returned to his seat.
Marquez, who pumped his fist holding on to his WBC belt, took turn to speak, and the Pinoys took a shot at him. But he spoke in Mexican.
?Man-ny! Man-ny! Five rounds! Five rounds!? the Pinoys shouted, anticipating a knockout win by the Pinoy slugger inside five rounds.
It was all over in less than an hour, and Pacquiao was immediately whisked into a long, black Lincoln Krystal limousine.
Marquez, who came in blue jeans, suede shoes and Versace jacket, stayed on. He granted interviews and signed autographs as the song ?Eye of the Tiger? was played.
Pacquiao, the eye of the storm, had already left by then.
