MANILA - Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and American rival Brandon Rios appeared together to weigh in for their much-awaited match in Macau.
In checkered boxer shorts, Pacquiao tipped the scales at 145 pounds and Rios weighed in at 146 ½ pounds.
"I feel happy because of the crowd. I'm not expecting them. There's a lot of people coming to the grand arrival but I'm surprised by their support and I'm so happy and excited," Pacquiao said.
Sunday's bout is a make-or-break fight for the Filipino fighting congressman, one of the most important battles in his 18-year professional career.
Pacquiao suffered two straight losses against American Timothy Bradley and Mexican fighter Juan Manuel Marquez.
Pacquiao described his preparation for the fight as one of the longest camps in his boxing career.
In earlier interviews, Pacquiao offered the fight to survivors of super typhoon Yolanda.
"I'm so happy the fight is in Asia, especially very close to the Philippines," he said.
Rios, for his part, said he is ready and will fight Pacquiao with his "heart and my balls. I'm young and I want that title."
The Pacquiao-Rios bout will be held at the Venetian Macao, Cotai Arena in Macau.
Top Rank's Bob Arum said it's going to be a great fight.
"I think it has a chance to be Fight of the Year," Arum said.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
