Manny Pacquiao warned Floyd Mayweather he has been honing his killer instinct here Tuesday as he was welcomed to Las Vegas by a deafening horde of supporters.
A day after wrapping up his Los Angeles training camp, the Filipino superstar delighted hundreds of loyal fans at a rally in Sin City as the final countdown to his career-defining “Fight of Century” began.
Most bookmakers have made the unbeaten Mayweather the favorite for Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated welterweight bout at the MGM Grand, the most lucrative in boxing history.
But Pacquiao told reporters he is reveling in his underdog status as he spoke excitedly about the prospect of finally stepping into the ring to face Mayweather.
“My confidence is different than for other fights. I am not nervous. I am excited,” Pacquiao said.
“I have something to prove. I like being the underdog because my killer instinct and my focus is there,” added Pacquiao, describing the bout as “one of the most important fights in my boxing legacy.”
“I want to make it a good result,” Pacquiao said. “My goal is to win.”
Pacquiao was all smiles as he took the stage in a cavernous room at the Mandalay Bay Hotel’s convention center to greet hundreds of Philippine flag-waving supporters.
Pacquiao’s arrival was preceded by Filipino singers and folk dancers, which included a rousing rendition of the national anthem and a music video played on giant screens that featured the boxer, politician and singer performing his new song.
After taking the stage with his long-time trainer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao had to wait several minutes for the roars to die down before he assured the crowd of a victory in Saturday’s world title mega bout.
“Are you excited?” asked Pacquiao, who was wearing a white “MP” T-shirt and light brown pants. “Don’t be nervous. Saturday I am going to win the fight so relax. I am so excited for Saturday.”
The brightly lit stage was decorated with a giant poster of Pacquiao and Mayweather. Besides Roach, Pacman was flanked by his promoter Bob Arum, and the president of the Mandalay Bay, Chuck Bowling.
“Welcome to the fan rally for the man who will be victorious on May 2,” Arum said.
Afterwards Pacquiao told reporters that the timing is right for a fight of this magnitude.
“It is the right time for this fight to happen,” Pacquiao said.
“Even if they are not boxing fans people really want to watch this fight so it is the right time.
Pacquiao said the unbeaten Mayweather is not the most dangerous boxer he has faced, but he will be difficult opponent to hit.
“I can’t say he is the most dangerous fighter. I already fought (Oscar) De La Hoya and (Juan Manuel) Marquez but he is one of the most difficult.”