Pacquiao thanks Latinos for their support

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Just days before his highly anticipated fight against Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao looks a little distracted this time.

Pacquiao’s fans, most of them Filipino, filled the Montalban Theater in Hollywood in a send-off for their idol organized by Nike. Pacquiao also took the stage to sing with Melissa R.

Before going on stage, Pacquiao told HOY that he understands the responsibilities of his worldwide fame. The interview took place in a small room with his trainer, Freddie Roach, and about 20 others, including some family members.

The ‘Pacman’ thanked Latino fans for their support. “Les quiero agradecer a los mexicanos” (I want to thank Mexicans), he said in Spanish, when asked about his growing popularity in this community.

Pacquiao said he’s not surprised that so many Latinos admire him, even though nine of his last 10 victories were against Mexican fighters, including greats such as Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Márquez and Erik Morales.

— Ricardo Lopez/HOY

To read the full story in Spanish this Friday, visit http://www.vivelohoy.com/losangeles