LOS ANGELES, CA.- Bob Arum’s Top Rank Incorporated welcomed media from the U.S. and the Philippines to “Max’s of Manila” Restaurant in Glendale, Ca., to promote the September 10th card at Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles. The card is dubbed, “Double Trouble”, and will feature Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao and Mexican legend Erik Morales.
In attendance at the wonderful Max’s Restaurant were Pacquiao himself, Bob Arum, Hector Velasquez, Vanes Martirosyan, Pacquiao’s new manager Shelly Finkel, and 2000 Olympian Brian Viloria, who declared himself 100% Filipino, after Arum introduced him as being “part Filipino.”
“First of all, I want to clear things up,” said Viloria. “I’m not part Filipino, I’m [full] Filipino.”
Viloria went on to say that he was born in Hawaii, “but not by choice.” He said he would have loved nothing more than to be raised in the Philippines, just as his parents were. “I’m going to wear the Philippine flag on my trunks,” he said. “And I hope that you will embrace me as one of your own.” The crowd then broke out in a loud chant, “Brian, Brian, Brian!!”
Hector Velazques, Pacquiao’s opponent, who is also from Tijuana, B.C., like Erik Morales, told the crowd that their will be fireworks on September 10. “Through-out my career I’ve been known to come out on the losing end of big fights,” said Velazquez. “But that’s all going to change Sep. 10 … I hope all of you can come out to see this great fight.”
When Pacquiao rose from his seat, a large cheer erupted from the fans that had flocked to the restaurant to catch a glimpse of their hero. “I am honored to fight here in Los Angeles … the people have been wonderful to me,” said Pacquiao.
2004 U.S. Olympian Vanes Martirosyan will also be on the card. “I am honored to be on the undercard of two great champions like Morales and Pacquiao,” said Martirosyan, who will be fighting for the second time before his hometown at Staples Center. Although it was a Philippine setting at Max’s, Martirosyan was right at home; having been raised in Glendale, California.
