Mayweather thanks Filipino fans for supporting Pacquiao

FLoyd Mayweather Jr. during the final press conference held at the KA Theatre in MGM Grand, Las Vegas Nevada on Wednesday, 29 April 2015. PHOTO BY REM ZAMORA/ See more at FRAME

LAS VEGAS–Everyone was thanking everyone in Wednesday’s final press conference for the battle between elite welterweights Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

It was the undefeated American, however, with the most surprising show of gratitude.

Mayweather, in what could be seen as an attempt to win over Pacman country, gave a shoutout to Filipinos and their unyielding support for the eight-division champion.

“To all Filipino fans supporting Manny Pacquiao, I wanna thank you guys,” Mayweather said.

BACKSTORY: Low-key Mayweather thanks God for making fight possible

Mayweather and Pacquiao square off on May 2 at MGM Grand’s Garden Arena in what should end up the richest bout in history. The fight could generate $400 million in gross revenue, but it took a pile of money to put it together, including a guaranteed purse of $200 million in a 60-40, Mayweather-slanted split.

READ: Pacquiao, Mayweather ready to make history

Thus it was no surprise that Wednesday’s press conference began with a litany of thank-you’s to the sponsors who pooled their resources for the fight to materialize. From promoters Bob Arum and Leonard Ellerbe, to the TV executives and to the fighters, every sponsor was mentioned and thanked.

What was a surprise, however, was Mayweather’s mention of Filipino fans, who have come in droves here to support Pacquiao.

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