Los Angeles: Pacmania continues to gain momentum as the countdown to Manny Pacquiao’s fight against undefeated American Floyd Mayweather Jr draws near.
A day before he is scheduled to depart for Las Vegas on Monday afternoon (Monday evening UAE time), Pacquiao looked relaxed, having lunch at a Japanese restaurant in the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame area and visiting church.
Pacquiao enjoys a Japanese lunch in Hollywood (Irish Eden Belleza/Gulf News)
Hundreds of fans gathered around Pacquiao to get autographs and pose for selfies as the Filipino boxer went inside the restaurant.
Some Filipino celebrities such as actor Richard Gutierrez and his partner Sarah Labhati were also part of his entourage.
A select group of media, including Gulf News, were invited to the lunch.
Rex ‘Wakee’ Salud, a close friend and advisor of Pacquiao, told Gulf News that he and other Team Pacquiao supporters were both excited and nervous as the fight draws near.
“We are quite nervous now since the fight is just a few more days away. We’re eagerly waiting the result of the May 2 fight. I really hope he will win,” said Salud.
“He has already realised all his dreams. I still recall it was about 10 years ago when Manny and I talked about the possibility of facing Mayweather in the boxing arena. He waited long for this fight to happen and it’s really his destiny,” he said.
Ingrid Cabrera, a Pacquiao fan, is confident Pacquiao will win. “I always watch Manny’s fights and I know with his boxing abilities and talent he can beat Mayweather.”
Pacquiao's mother, Dionesia, was happy to pose for the camera (Irish Eden Belleza/Gulf News)
Pacquiao headed for his mansion to rest after lunch, where he played chess and entertained some guests’ requests for some selfies. He also hosted a darts tournament for the guests.
