KUALA LUMPUR, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao faced the press Wednesday afternoon and had things to say – from his dual role as fighter and promoter to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Pacquiao also bared his strategy for Sunday’s title fight against Lucas Matthysse of Argentina.
“My strategy? Throw a lot of left and right (punches),” said the Filipino with a touch of humor.
Pacquiao, who’s pushing 40, staged a media workout at Le Meridien Hotel, and entertained his visitors, including Malaysian reporters, to the gym.
His meeting with the press was originally scheduled at 1 p.m. But Pacquiao arrived one and a half hours late.
Pacquiao sat on a cushioned folding chair and faced the media.
“My mindset is that I’m excited for the fight and I’m ready to put on a good show and entertain the fans,” he said.
“Being a fighter and promoter is not easy. It takes more time to do a lot of things. Good thing there are people around me and they’re doing a good job,” he added.
Ticket sales are doing well – if you ask members of Team Pacquiao.
But to make sure the crowd comes in, they’re giving away discounted tickets to Filipino OFWs here in Malaysia and to students.
Tickets priced at 488 Malaysian ringgit are now being sold at 250 MYR (roughly P3,500).
Reporters from this soccer-crazy nation sounded very interested in Pacquiao’s thoughts about the ongoing world Cup.
“My team is already out. My team is Argentina,” he said, eliciting laughter because his opponent is from Argentina.
“But that’s my team since before,” added Pacquiao, who said he’s now rooting for Croatia.
But France, he said, “is also good.”