LAS VEGAS — They waited long for the official weigh-in that lasted only 10 minutes.
More than 3,000 fans, mostly Filipino and Mexican, packed an enclosed section of the Events Center Friday to watch Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera tip the scales at an even 130 lbs.
Michael Buffer, the legendary ring announcer, hosted the ceremony graced by some big names in boxing — Top Rank’s Bob Arum, Golden Boy’s Oscar dela Hoya and light-heavyweight king Bernard Hopkins.
Before the two fighters were called in, Buffer, in his deep voice, a dark suit and a pink shirt, worked the crowd.
“Are you ready? Let’s make some noise,” he shouted over the microphone, getting a huge response.
Hopkins, his gold wristwatch seen from afar, said “It’s going to be a great Saturday. These are the little big men.”
Shortly after, the stars came in amid cheers from the crowd waving flags, fight shirts, and posters.
Barrera got up first in a black gear and white sneakers, accompanied by his handlers and a rock star who was quite popular among the fans.
Pacquiao followed suit. He was in red, wearing slippers with white socks on. He was with trainers Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez.
Barrera tipped the scales wearing his white underwear. He weighed 130 lbs, just right for the limit, and the Mexicans roared.
Pacquiao, in brown boxers, did the same, and weighed the same. Then he flexed his muscles, got off the scales and dressed up. The Filipinos cheered louder this time.
For the cameras, the two boxers stood close to each other. They came face to face but never said a word. Barrera pointed to his biceps, and Pacquiao showed off his famous six-pack.
Barrera looked fresh, and Pacquiao, reported as over the limit the night before, looked dry. But he smiled and waved to the crowd. – Abac Cordero