Diagnosed with a life-threatening illness at the age of 4, Jonah aka “Little Pacquiao” finally meets his idol, eight-division world champ @MannyPacquiao. pic.twitter.com/Twu3qQZn3O
— FOX Sports: PBC (@PBConFOX) July 9, 2019
MANILA, Philippines—Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao met one of his fans, a young cancer survivor, in his home in Los Angeles ahead of his fight against Keith Thurman.
Jonah Villamil, who is also called “Little Pacquiao” in their community, finally met his hero in person three years after getting a special video message from Pacquiao.
Villamil was diagnosed with leukemia when he was four years old in 2016. He is now cancer free.
READ: Pacquiao gives away $1 million on tickets
Pacquiao entertained the Villamil family at his house in LA, taking photos with them and signing some boxing memorabilia.
“It is one of his wishes to meet Manny Pacquiao in person,” said Mark Villamil, father of Jonah, in a video feature on Fox PBC.
The eight-division world champion is grateful to see Jonah healed.
READ: Manny Pacquiao starts taking it easy
“He was struggling before 2016 and he asked me to pray and then I prayed. Thank God because Jesus healed his sickness,” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao is challenging the brash Thurman for his WBA (super) welterweight world title on July 21 (Manila time) at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
