Universal featherweight king Manny Pacquiao was granted his US visa yesterday, paving the way for his trip to trainer Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles for the much-awaited bout with WBA/IBF featherweight monarch Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez on May 8 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Also approved were the visas of Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee, as well as that of his two sons-Emmanuel Jr. and Michael Stephen.
Pacquiao will leave for the United States on Friday to start training at Roach’s gym. He will be accompanied by business manager Rod Nazario and his business associate Lito Mondejar. Jinkee and their two sons are scheduled to follow soon after.
Meanwhile, US promoter Murad Muhammad arrives in the country today with the HBO crew to film footage of Pacquiao and his fans here.
Reports have surfaced recently that Pacquiao ( has not been reporting to the gym in preparation for Marquez. However, the Filipino champ was quick to assure his legion of fans that he will be ready come fight night.
