LAS VEGAS, Nevada?Thirty-five million pesos in the Philippines can purchase a house in a posh subdivision and a luxury European car with enough loose change for something like, say, a body-pampering, three-day vacation in a paradise-like island resort.
Manny Pacquiao just spent that entire amount on tickets.
The pound-for-pound champion admitted Thursday that he spent $700,000 to purchase tickets to the ?Dream Match? against Oscar De La Hoya so he can give them out to friends and supporters.
A close Pacquiao confidante later revealed in anonymity that the actual figure was higher.
?Yes, I spent $700,000,? he said in front of journalists during a taped television interview.
As eye-popping as the figure sounds, what made jaws drop was the reason behind the multi-million splurge: Superstition.
?It?s part of my superstitious belief that I should share my blessings every time I have a fight,? Pacquiao said in Filipino.
What further boosted the amount was Pacquiao?s penchant for charity, his inability to say no, and his belief that everything he does in the name of giving is in accordance with what God?s mission for him?a belief that promoter Bob Arum and trainer Freddie Roach said could lead to an empty bank account.
But Pacquiao doesn?t mind.
?With great power comes great responsibility,? Pacquiao said, quoting from a line in the blockbuster movie Spider-Man.
?I believe that God has given me a lot of blessings and it is my responsibility to share it with the people.?
?I?ve have been given a lot in my career and I?m happy,? he added. ?I feel that God wants me to give back also.?
Among those who will benefit from the ticket generosity is ?Iron Mike? Tyson, who made an unannounced visit to the IBA Gym to watch Pacquiao?s final workout.
Roach said Tyson told him that he still had no tickets for the fight. When Pacquiao learned about it, he immediately set aside four tickets for the former undisputed heavyweight champion, who declared bankruptcy in 2003 after a troubled career that netted him over $300 million in earnings.
