BRISBANE, Australia – Manny Pacquiao hardly paid any attention as Tuesday’s final press conference for Sunday’s big event went on at the Suncorp Stadium.
The Filipino WBO welterweight champion was so busy on his mobile phone, either texting, surfing the Internet or updating his status on social media.
The man behind the show, Duco Events co-owner Dean Lonergan, can’t help but notice, and took a gentle swipe at Pacquiao.
Lonergan described Pacquiao as a “world champion texter,” delighting the crowd and startling the Filipino superstar.
“I hope you take that phone with you in the ring,” Lonergan said.
Any form of distraction, in and out of the ring, may serve Jeff “The Hornet” Horn well in his bid to pull off the biggest upset in boxing’s recent history.
Pacquiao was joined at the head table by his trainer Freddie Roach and adviser Mike Koncz. At the other end was Horn with his trainer Glenn Rushton.
Horn, the massive underdog, described Pacquiao as his toughest opponent ever.
“Even if he’s a small man he’s the biggest mountain I have to climb,” said the Brisbane native, who’s a couple of inches taller and some pounds heavier.
Brisbane multi-millionaire Glenn Rushton, who dabbles as Horn’s trainer and manager, promised war inside the ring.
“It will be like a hundred angry hornets surrounding you,” he said in the direction of the reigning champion.
“For me it’s very important to put a good show and bring the title back to our country,” said Pacquiao, who called on boxing fans, including Australians to come see the fight.
“It will be embarrassing to ask Australians to support me. But I understand that. Whom ever the crowd cheers for there’s nothing personal,” he said.