I’m ready to rumble – Pacquiao

BRISBANE, Australia –  Manny Pacquiao did not carry his mobile phone up on stage during Friday’s Boxing Royalty Luncheon at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Center.

But he did not stay long on stage that had boxing VIPs like promoter Bob Arum, commentator Bob Sheridan, ring announcer Michael Buffer, boxing legend Roberto Duran and ex-champ Tim Bradley lined up.

The ballroom was packed with people who paid as much as AUS $400 for a seat and some fancy food, and the chance to be part of a charity auction.

A pair of gloves signed by both Pacquiao and Australian Jeff Horn sold for $8,000 (P400,000). Another pair signed by Roberto Duran was pegged at $1,500.

Pacquiao entered the room at 2 p.m. for the event that started at around 11 a.m. then got up on stage, spoke for a minute, greeted some people on his way out and left.

In less than 15 minutes, he was out of the building. He came in and left surrounded by bodyguards, including a handful of beefy Australians.

The other day, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Pacquiao was asked by the police to limit his public appearances heading to Sunday’s fight due to security concerns.

The police said there was no specific threat to the safety of Pacquiao but there were “growing concerns about the interest from obsessive fans.”

During Wednesday’s final press conference, Pacquiao drew some criticism for paying very little attention to the ongoing conference and spending more time on his mobile phone.

Dean Lonergan of Duco Events called Pacquiao’s attention by referring to him as a “world champion texter” while Horn said “it was disrespectful” or perhaps “a sign he was taking us lightly.”

Pacquiao, to those who know him well, meant no harm or disrespect to anyone during the press conference.

“I’m ready to fight. It’s gonna be fun. I’m ready for the battle,” Pacquiao said.

Horn did not join the stage on Friday but his trainer, Glenn Rushton, did all the talking.

“I’ve felt this fight a thousand times in my mind and it will end with Jeff Horn’s hands in the air,” said Rushton, a multi-millionaire investment adviser outside the ring.

Through an interpreter, Duran said “it’s possible for the fight to end in a knockout.”