MANNY PACQUIAO PRE-DEPARTURE STATEMENT

PhilBoxing.com
I am looking forward to the promotional tour that will be held in London and Manchester this weekend as I have received tons of emails from English boxing fans, who are one of the most passionate in the world.

Even if it’s going to be hostile territory for me--as Ricky Hatton comes from this boxing-crazy country--I know that I will enjoy every minute of my brief stay there as I have heard a lot of great things about England, its notable people, its amazing culture and its proud history.

After my trip to England, I will proceed to Los Angeles so I could kick off my preparation for Ricky Hatton, who is one of the world’s most exciting fighters. Hatton is a very dangerous opponent as I have seen most of his high-caliber fight on video and you cannot take somebody like him lightly.

This is going to be a big challenge for me. This early, I am confident in saying that I will train harder for Hatton and I won’t be surprised if I end up in a much better shape than when I fought the legendary Oscar De La Hoya last December.

Once I report for training camp at the Wild Card under my very capable trainer Freddie Roach, my sole focus will be training. I will be eating, breathing and living Ricky Hatton from the day I start my training camp.

I assure fight fans that when I get into the ring on May 2, I am going to show my best--as always--and ours will be an explosive and exciting fight.

And most importantly, I am dedicating this important fight to my beloved countrymen and to all boxing fans from around the world.

Manny Pacquiao
Boxing’s Pound-For-Pound King
February 27, 2009

Editor's Note: Pacquiao left Manila for London on board Cathay Pacific at 6:30 a.m. Friday.