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Rock star welcome for boxing king Pacquiao in Philippines
Agence France-Presse
Page 24
2009-11-21 12:00 AM
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Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao waves to well-wishers following his arrival in Manila, Philippines yesterday from Los Angeles, California.
Associated Press
The Philippines rolled out the red carpet in a rock star reception yesterday for pound-for-pound king and newly crowned World Boxing organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao. High-ranking officials and fans flocked to Manila's international airport as the 30-year-old Pacquiao flew in five days after he demolished Puerto Rican champ Miguel Cotto to become the only fighter in history to win seven titles in as many weight classes.

His right hand and ear still bandaged, the future boxing hall of famer talked briefly about his fight, dodged questions about his lovelife and gently poked at his potential next opponent, the brash American, Floyd Mayweather.

"We are not forcing a fight with him. It is right that he is the one challenging me, because my fights score more on pay per view," a smiling Pacquiao told reporters with his wife Jinkee beside him and his three young children playing with his belts.

In the background, a banner read: "Welcome home, the world's best boxer of all time.

He said he first wanted to relax at his mansion in the southern island of Mindanao, before taking care of business - including filing his candidacy for a congressional seat.

A convoy of 20 plus vehicles escorted by police outriders whisked him to a hotel, arriving to wild cheers and a shower of confetti and balloons. He then had breakfast while enjoying a replay of the Las Vegas fight before motoring to a Catholic church in Manila's Quiapo district to pray.

In a break with tradition, church officials allowed Pacquiao to deliver an inspirational message during the mass attended mostly by ordinary Filipinos who had waited for hours to catch a glimpse of the boxer.

"I live my life like everyday is the last. I am proud that for having attained this record," he said. "It is because of God and your prayers that I succeeded in my fights. I belive in the power of God, one hundred percent," he said.

Pacquiao now has seven titles ranging from 112 to 145 pounds. He weighed just 106 pounds in his pro debut in 1995 and captured his first title in the 112-pound flyweight division.

Doubters who had initially questioned the Filipino's power were silenced in December last year when he forced legendary Oscar de la Hoya to retire, followed by a devastating second round knockout of Britain's Ricky Hatton in May.

 
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