MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao was overwhelmed with the reception he received Sunday in Hong Kong, where he is currently promoting his Nov. 23 fight with American Chris Algieri.
In a report by Unus Alladin of the South China Morning Post Hong Kong, Pacquiao said the crowd turnout caught him by surprise.
“I didn’t expect this kind of reception. I was overwhelmed. I didn’t expect to see so many Filipinos in the streets. They were screaming. It was quite an experience,” said the boxing icon, who reportedly spent about 10 minutes at Statue Square.
Hong Kong has a sizeable Filipino population, and hundreds of them showed up Sunday to catch a glimpse of Pacquiao, who was accompanied by chief trainer Freddie Roach and promoter Bob Arum.
Pacquiao gamely mingled with fans and participated in some photo opportunities before being whisked away by security. He then boarded a limousine that took him to a boat cruise in Victoria Harbour.
The fighting congressman declared he’s good to go even with the fight still weeks away.
“It’s been good and I’m ready for the fight. I have another four weeks to prepare. There’s nothing to worry about. I’d like to invite everybody to come to the fight,” Pacquiao said.
The WBO welterweight champion is expected to return to General Santos City within the week to wrap up his training. He faces Algieri at the Cotai Arena of The Venetian Macao in Macau, China.