Manny Pacquiao Honored at MGM Grand
Manny Pacquiao, the iconic boxing figure, was recently honored with a special tribute at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The venue, known as ‘The Home of Champions,’ unveiled a banner commemorating Pacquiao’s impressive achievement of participating in 16 fights at this legendary site. This event comes as he prepares for a bout against WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios, set for Saturday night as the highlight of a high-profile PBC Pay-Per-View event streaming on Prime Video.
Pacquiao Reflects on His Journey
At the age of 46, Pacquiao reflected on his long journey in boxing during a media gathering leading up to the fight. The Filipino powerhouse has been a staple at the MGM Grand since his first bout there in 2001. Grateful for the tremendous support he has received from fans, Pacquiao stated,
“Without the fans, boxing is dead. I really appreciate their support.”
Confidence in the Face of Challenge
Despite facing the challenge of being an underdog, he expressed confidence, noting his extensive experience in similar situations.
“I’ve been a challenger many times, and it’s always the same feeling. I’m excited to take the belt. He’s a good fighter, also, but our job is to entertain the fans. We’re gonna give them a real fight. Saturday night, it’s going to be a great fight,”
he declared.
Rigorous Training Regimen
As he prepares for this clash, Pacquiao acknowledged that while he has taken time away from the ring, his training regimen remains rigorous.
“I’ve been enjoying training camp like I did in the past, just like when I was 26 years old. The discipline is still the same. Even with my layoff, my passion is still there,”
he remarked, determined to showcase his enduring skills.
Legacy and Anticipation
Tom Brown, President of TGB Promotions, expressed excitement about Pacquiao’s historic return to the arena, highlighting his legacy as an integral part of the venue’s history.
“Manny first fought in the arena in 2001, and this is his record sixteenth time fighting here,”
Brown noted. He went on to share anticipation for what promises to be another memorable boxing night with a top-tier card on offer.
Reaffirming Greatness
As Pacquiao steps into the ring once more, he aims to reaffirm his status among boxing’s all-time greats, demonstrating that age is but a number in pursuit of greatness.
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Phil Jay, a seasoned boxing journalist and Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News, has clocked in over 15 years covering the sport. His firsthand experiences include interviewing top champions and reporting from ringside at significant boxing events.
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