Thousands of Mexican Boxing Fans Root for Manny Pacquiao

Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao is now in Mexico for the last leg of his press tour to promote the upcoming trilogy with Mexican counter-puncher Juan Manuel Marquez on November 12 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev.

Judging from the crowd that welcomed him in his opponent's home country, it seems the pound-for-pound king is much more popular among Mexican boxing fans than their very own Juan Manuel Marquez.

Reports show at least 30,000 fans have come to have a glimpse of the Filipino fighting congressman along with his Mexican foe who predicted a win over the eight-division champion in their upcoming trilogy.

The world press tour for the Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy started in Manila last September 3 when Marquez and his entourage flew to the Philippines for the kick-off ceremonies. 

From Manila, Pacquiao and Marquez met in New York for the second leg of the press tour, which started with a song number by Pacquiao who was joined in the stage by the very popular singer and songwriter Dan Hill.

The fighting congressman and the Canadian singer sang before the boxing media, "Sometimes When We Touch", a classic song popularized by Dan Hill.

After singing "Sometimes When We Touch" which has recently ranked No.7 in the US music charts, Pacquiao admitted he is not a good singer but he can sing.

"I will tell you now, I'm not a good singer," he said. "I'm not a good singer but I can sing and I love to hear songs."

From New York, Pacquiao, Marquez and their entourages flew to Los Angeles for the third leg of the press tour which took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel. 

In 2004, Marquez and Pacquiao fought on a split draw in a featherweight limit of 126 pounds. The truth is Pacquiao should have won on a split-decision if not for a scoring error committed by one of the judges who scored a round at 10-7 instead of 10-6 for Marquez's three knockdowns.

In 2008, fighting on a super featherweight limit of 130 pounds, Marquez and Pacquiao clashed in a hotly contested rematch with Pacquiao earning a split-decision with a third round knockdown which clinched the fight in his favor.

Boxing promoter Bob Arum said he expects the fight to generate at least 1.4 million in pay-per-view buys come fight night on November 12.

After the press conference in Mexico, Pacquiao and his entourage will fly back to Los Angeles on their way back to Manila over the weekend.