LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Two-time world champion Manny Pacquiao, an adopted son of Bacolod City, will use his relentless style with the hope of getting a different result in his rematch with Erik ‘Terrible’ Morales at the Thomas and Mack Center here Saturday (8 a.m. Sunday in the Philippines).
“It’s going to be a good fight. Both of us worked real hard and were going to give you a good fight,” Pacquiao said during the weigh in for the 12-round super-featherweight showdown.
Pacquiao lost his first fight to Morales 11 months ago in Las Vegas.
“I will do my best and I promise I will give this guy a fight and I have to win this fight,” said Pacquiao.
“All of my countrymen are hoping that I win this fight. If I beat Morales, it will be a big honor for me to go back to the Philippines with the victory. I want this very much for my country.”
“Tell the people of Bacolod that I am very grateful for their support and prayers. Tell them also that I hope to see them all again after this fight,” Pacquiao told Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia at the Wynn Hotel here yesterday during a private breakfast at Liz Tower Suite.
In Bacolod City tomorrow television sets will be installed at the City Hall to allow residents to watch the match (see page 17).
Pacquiao appeared visibly elated at the presence of so many Bacole?os, both those residing in this city, and those who have traveled here from other states to watch and cheer for him.
Leonardia, who heads the group from Bacolod, is a personal guest of Pacquiao here.
Pacquiao, who was the guest of honor at the recent Charter Day celebration and MassKara Festival in Bacolod is an adopted son of the city.
Among those he entertained here and had admitted to his final workout at the International Boxing Association gym yesterday afternoon were Leonardia, Felicisimo “Boy” Reyes, Rene Mejica, Roberto “Nonoy” Cordova, Jr. Leif Severino and this writer. They were among the 15 people, aside from his trainer Freddie Roach, promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud, two former heavyweight champions from Australia, and his staff who were allowed into the private area.
During his workout Pacquiao, while moving around the ring, was heard singing the song from his album “Huwag Kang Matakot.”
Meanwhile, the whole city is excitedly anticipating the Pacquiao-Morales “grudge fight” and hundreds of Philippine and Mexican fans of both have poured into town where furious betting is also going on.*NRL/AFP
