Manny Pacquiao fights off adoring fans in Central ahead of Macau bout
Filipino boxer draws legions of admirers on walkabout in financial district
Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao almost stopped traffic in Central yesterday as he was mobbed by hundreds of his compatriots in Statue Square during the first day of a Hong Kong visit.
The fighter, world champion in a record eight weight divisions, is here to promote his upcoming fight against American Chris Algieri in Macau, billed as the Clash of Cotai II, and made a surprise appearance in the city's financial district, which is usually crowded with Filipino domestic helpers on Sundays.
Pacman, as he is popularly known, was swarmed by adoring fans along Chater Road, and the crowd grew as they screamed out his name. Under heavy security, Pacquiao was greeted by about 300 people who tried to get close to the boxing icon.
Many fans took out their cameras to capture the moment and Pacquiao obliged as he smiled and shook hands with several people, although his security team was never far behind.
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"I didn't expect this kind of reception," said Pacquiao, who is one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters. "I was overwhelmed. I didn't expect to see so many Filipinos in the streets. They were screaming ... It was quite an experience."