LAS VEGAS—The disparity with being Manny Pacquiao and everybody else was again amplified during the grand arrival ceremonies Tuesday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
When Timothy Bradley and his small entourage entered the main lobby, a crowd of about 500 applauded and showered the American contender with affection.
Half an hour later, the onlookers have tripled in size and there was bedlam as the fans and the media jostled for prime spots at the ground and atop the makeshift ring put up around the golden lion, symbol of the swanky hotel serving as venue of the Pacquiao-Bradley showdown on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
Then all hell practically broke loose when Pacquiao and his 25-strong entourage arrived on the customized bus that transported them from Mandalay Bay, where the eight-division world champion occupies the 60th floor suite of THEhotel.
With MGM security and Pacquiao’s own bodyguards, including Fil-Am members of the Los Angeles Police Department, clearing the way, Pacquiao took more than three minutes to reach the ring, where an army of photographers and cameramen were waiting.
While it took Bradley only a few minutes to answer the questions thrown at him, Pacquiao spent more than 30 minutes to do the same.
After the grand arrival was over, Pacquiao, who shortened his morning run at the UNLV track oval due to strong winds, proceeded to the Top Rank Gym to sweat it out.