LAS VEGAS—“Manny Pacquiao, 8th wonder of the world,” screamed a sign unfurled by Las Vegas Filipinos as their compatriots waved Filipino flags during Saturday’s weigh-in for the WBO welterweight championship.
Defending champion Timothy Bradley and Pacquiao, the challenger, easily made the weight for Saturday’s long-awaited rematch at MGM Hotel Grand Garden Arena.
Pacquiao weighed in at 145 pounds, two under the welterweight limit, and Bradley was a half-pound heavier.
Asked by HBO’s Max Kellerman about his agenda for Saturday’s rematch, Bradley, the object of much booing from the partisan crowd said: “I will knock Pacquiao out.”
Bradley banks on the confidence he has built from the last fight he won, albeit controversially, over the eight-division world champion.
“He (Pacquiao) is ready and is fierce,” Bradley said.
In response, Pacquiao said Bradley should zip his kisser. “He’ll have to prove it in the ring,” Pacquiao said.
Sports personalities present for the prefight ritual included two boxing all-time greats—former world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield and Mexican idol Julio Cesar Chavez.
Top Rank honcho Bob Arum appeared relaxed as he orchestrated the event.