Boxing greats Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather held their final press conference on Wednesday to promote their highly anticipated fight on Saturday. The Filipino boxer thanked God, the fans and sponsors for making the matchup possible.
In a Facebook video posted by Rappler, Pacquiao used his time during the press conference to reflect on the blessings God has granted him in life. He started with his first big break in the United States through HBO back in 2001.
"When I first fought here in America, I always remember that my first fight was with Lehlohonolo Ledwaba back on June 23, 2001," Pacquiao said about his first big break with HBO Boxing. "[It was] an undercard with Oscar De La Hoya and [Javier] Castillejo; that was a long time ago. Since then, HBO [has] helped a lot in my [boxing] career."
Pacquiao then thanked the fans and media for the opportunity to fight Mayweather.
"Every fight that I've had, promoting the fight, letting the people know that it's going to be a good fight," Pacquiao said. "All our success and achievements in boxing is not only for us alone, but it includes you guys, who are part of our success and accomplishments."
The pound-for-pound Filipino boxer emphasized that his fight with Mayweather would be worth watching. The pay-per-view cost of watching the fight at home in the United States has been set at $99.
"I'd like to invite everyone to witness this Saturday, a good fight between Mayweather and Pacquiao," he quipped. "It's going to be a good fight. There [are] a lot of questions in your minds that only God can answer for us on Saturday."
Pacquiao wanted everyone to know that he gives God the credit for his strength as well as his accomplishments in life.
"I just want to be an example and inspiration to everybody," Pacquiao said. "[In] my life before I became a boxer, I used to sleep in the street, starving and hungry. Now, I cannot imagine that the Lord raised me in this position and blessed me ... at this level of life."
Pacquiao then elaborated on the purpose of his fight with Mayweather.
"Our goal is to give the fans enjoyment and satisfaction of our performance, that you will be happy," Pacquiao said. "Both of us, Floyd and I, we work hard. We've been working hard to give you a good fight on Saturday."
Pacquiao made it clear that he had "nothing personal" against Mayweather; he was just merely doing his job. However, he wanted to meet with Mayweather after the fight for something greater.
"I believe that he's going to do his best, and I'm going to do my best on Saturday to put our names in boxing history," Pacquiao said. "I'm hoping that after the fight, we can have a conversation with Floyd and share my faith about God. There's nothing bad about sharing my faith and how we need to believe that we can inspire more people, especially those children who are looking up to us."
Pacquiao ended his portion of the press conference with the hope that people would take away something spiritually profound and deeper in his upcoming fight with Mayweather.
"I hope this fight is not only to entertain people, but to give an inspiration to all the people around the world," Pacquiao said. "There is God, who can raise someone [up] from nothing into something. Jesus is the name of the Lord. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you so much, and God bless."
