Pacman carries hopes of a weary nation
Manny Pacquiao is determined to beat Brandon Rios, both for his compatriots reeling from the typhoon and to salvage his own career
If there was ever a time for Manny Pacquiao to call on his God-given skills to lift his countrymen, this is it. If there was ever a time for him to prove to the world he still has something to offer, that time is now.
Pacquiao carries the hopes of a nation as he puts his ageing 34-year-old body to the test in Sunday’s Clash in Cotai against brash Mexican-American Brandon “Bam Bam” Rios – and it won’t be easy.
The Philippines is counting on the Fighter of the Decade to lift the spirits of a country ravaged by Super Typhoon Haiyan.
I must help my country. They are suffering there. I must win
And Pacquiao is also fighting for his career after two successive losses. He will be looking to “get even” after members of Rios’ camp ridiculed Pacquiao’s Parkinson’s-disease-affected trainer, Freddie Roach, during an ugly training bust-up on Wednesday.
The world champion in eight weight divisions said he was determined to win for his people.
“I must help my country. They are suffering there. I must win,” he said during Saturday’s weigh-in at the CotaiArena.
Pacquiao came in at 145 pounds (65.78kg). Rios was 146.5 (66.47kg).
They will clash for the vacant World Boxing Organisation international welterweight title, an insignificant title really for a fight billed as Asia’s biggest-ever bout.