Manny Pacquiao paid a courtesy call on President Arroyo yesterday and vowed to do his best when he faces reigning World Boxing Council lightweight champion David Diaz on June 28 in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, who was scheduled to leave for Los Angeles last night to begin his heavy training for the coming fight, was met by President Arroyo in Malacañang at around two in the afternoon.
The meeting lasted just a little over 10 minutes. But Pacquiao had to stay a little longer as he was met and greeted by some lawmakers and The Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) awardees.
“They had pictures taken with the Pacman,” said Eric Pineda, the business manager of the world-famous Pinoy boxer who was also joined in the courtesy call by his legal counsel Franklin Gacal and some friends.
Pacquiao exchanges pleasantries with the President, an avid supporter of the reigning WBC super-featherweight champion who has decided to move a notch higher and challenge Diaz for the 135 lb title.
“Good luck and remember we will be praying for your victory,” the President was quoted as telling Pacquiao. They had a very quick photo-op before the President left for another function.
From Malacañang, Pacquiao proceeded to Mandaluyong and worked out at a gym being run by the famous Peñalosa brothers. It was just a light workout, just enough for him to break out a sweat.
Last night, Pacquiao was also scheduled to attend a dinner with some close associates led by former business manager Rod Nazario. Dinner host was sportsman Hermie Esguerra.
Pacquiao was booked for a 10 p.m. Philippine Airlines flight along with his Pinoy trainers Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri. Once they get to LA, it will be all work.
Pacquiao and Diaz will attend a press conference at the Bonaventure Hotel in LA on Tuesday noon, and depending on his schedule might go straight to the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood to train.
This should kick off a rigid training program that would last more than six weeks. Chief trainer Freddie Roach is hoping that Pacquiao arrives in shape so they could take it hard the moment he steps into the gym.