HOLLYWOOD—It was way back in 1998 when the paths of Manny Pacquiao and Manny Melchor first crossed in Angeles City.
They sparred with each other upon the prodding of American trainer Rick Stahaley and they became close instantly.
“Right after that sparring, I knew he was destined for bigger things,” said Melchor, a former World Boxing Council International minimum weight (105 pounds) champion and International Boxing Federation titlist in Filipino here Saturday. “I was a world champion and he was beating me up. I told him so and he could hardly believe what I said.”
Melchor’s words turned prophetic, however, as shortly thereafter, Pacquiao bested Thai Chatchai Sasakul for the WBC flyweight crown.
While Pacquiao went on to reach loftier heights, Melchor hanged his gloves in 2003 and settled down in San Diego, California.
Now 46 years old, Melchor said he’s earning his keep by teaching boxing at the local boxing gym.
Melchor, who hails from Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, went Pan Pacific Park Saturday to watch Pacquiao’s early morning run and abdominal exercises.
He was nearly driven off by security personnel from the enclosure reserved for the media had he not introduced himself and attracted attention.
Melchor picked Pacquiao to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their showdown for the unified world welterweight crown on May 2.
Melchor said Pacquiao’s speed and footwork will carry the eight-time world champion to victory as Mayweather had slowed down considerably.
“His (Pacquiao) punches are different and they were delivered very fast,” said Melchor.
And if Mayweather decides to go toe-to-toe, Melchor was even more explicit: He’ll fall by the eighth or ninth round.
For more updates on Pacquiao-Mayweather “Fight of the Century,” visit The Pacquiao Files.