Manny Pacquiao weighed in a pound short of the welterweight limit and he’s loving it.
The 42-year-old Pacquiao showed great physique while tipping the scales at 146 lbs in the formal weigh-in on Friday (Saturday in Manila) with his opponent, World Boxing Association champion Yordenis Ugàs hitting 147 lbs on the eve of their title showdown at the T-Mobile Arena.
At 146, Pacquiao said he’ll be the quicker boxer on fight day.
“I just want to be faster—and it really feels so good,” Pacquiao told BusinessMirror which had exclusive access behind the stage of the MGM Grand where the weigh-in ceremony was conducted.
Pacquiao, with the close-in members of his camp, had a feast of bulalo (beef stew), fried pork and chicken and ginisang ampalaya with rice right after the weigh-in.
“This is the weight that I want, just ideal for me,” he said.
Pacquiao (62-7-2 win-loss-draw record with 38 knockouts) aims for another shot at boxing history as he tries to become the oldest welterweight world champion for the second time in his illustrious career.
He set that record at 40 when he beat American Keith Thurman via split decision two years ago at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. He hasn’t fought since and lost his belt to the Cuban by virtue of “inactivity,” according to the WBA.
“Tomorrow night, I will give my best to the fans and of course for the honor of my country,” Pacquiao said. “This fight will be dedicated to all the Filipino people for their unwavering support, love and prayers.”
Pacquiao said it’s a blessing from God that he remains active boxing for more than 20 years.
It wasn’t all relentless training for Pacquiao in the homestretch to the title fight. He hosted bible studies at the MGM Grand Arena for his team and supporters.
“That’s where I draw my strength [in the bible study] before a fight,” he said.
Ugàs (26-4 win-loss record with 12 knockouts), a bronze medalist in the Beijing 2008 Olympics, warned the eight-division world champion that he will set aside his respect to the eight-division world champion once they get atop the ring on Saturday night.
“I will be with a legend like Manny Pacquiao inside the ring. I have a lot of respect so I’m very excited. But the respect is gone once we get in the ring,” said Ugàs, who is coached by legendary Cuban Ismael Salas.
Rising prospect Filipino Mark Magsayo, meanwhile, also made the featherweight 126-lb limit at 125.5 lbs. His Mexican rival Julio Ceja made it at 125 lbs for their World Boxing Council world featherweight title eliminator bout.
In the other main supporting bouts,
Former world champions Victor Ortiz and Robert Guerrero willclash in a non-title welterweight match in another undercard.
Fans were not allowed during the weigh-in.