MACAU – You want access to Manny Pacquiao’s private quarters? You have to endure three hours of group bible study.
That’s how a couple of media men found out as they tried to gain entrance into the presidential suite in the south wing of the Venetian and hoped to get some insights into his Sunday fight with Brandon Rios.
There was this urgent appeal posted on the main door of his suite requesting that guests and well-wishers observe a 9 p.m. curfew.
It was a non-stop immersion on the passages in the bible as Israeli pastor Amir Tsarfati led the study with a roomful of people led by Pacman and wife Jinkee, three months heavy with their fifth child.
When the pastor concluded the prayer meeting, the champ asked the visitors whether they have attended the session and proceeded to meet up with other fans.
“ We study doctrines acceptable to all, “ said Pacquiao.
He had maintained keen interest in the messages of the bible despite some quarters blaming his new found preoccupation as a source of distraction that led to his shock loss to Tim Bradley two years ago. In fact he has gone to the Holy Land for a spiritual pilgrimage although he has since met with other religious groups.
Coming from a devastating loss to Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao appears raring to go all out and mix it up with Brandon Rios, knowing he’s coming in full in strength and pure in spirit.