Popular Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao says that prayer and hard work are some of the things that he does before he climbs the ring to engage his opponent in a fight.
Pressed by reporters and newsmen to comment on the series of predictions from members of his team, Manny Pacquiao refused to confirm or deny how the fight with Miguel Cotto will end as predicted by his trainers.
But he revealed some of his winning secrets which he does before and after the fight.
Known for his humility, Pacquiao says its hard to give a definitive answer when asked about his trainer's prediction that he would knock out Miguel Cotto in the first round of their 'Firepower' fight. 'We don't know exactly what is going to happen'. Let's just pray to the Lord. Whatever happens, let's just pray -the Lord is the only one who knows the outcome. For me, I just train very hard and pray to God before I climb the ring.
In reality, Pacquiao is saying that prayer and hard work are some of his winning secrets. By training hard in preparation for any fight coupled with intense prayer every time he climbs the ring, the pound-for-pound king admits are some of his winning secrets.
Pacquiao is a very religious person. Before moving to Los Angeles from his training camp in Baguio City in the Philippines, the popular Filipino boxer had arranged for a mass for the entire team. He and his team were joined later by boxing fans and ordinary citizens, all praying for his safety and victory. Pre-fight mass is customary for Team Pacquiao. In all these religious preparations, Pacquiao would always be there to lead the team in prayer.
The popular boxer said that he normally recites the rosary everyday for nine days before the date of every fight. He does it without fail every night for nine days He said most of the members of his team would always join him in prayer. When the bell rings to signal the start of the fight, Pacquiao can be seen in his own corner praying intensely for guidance from the Lord.
Earlier, his trainer and coach Freddie Roach predicted that the popular Filipino boxer will knock out Cotto in the first round of their 'Firepower ' match. Alex Ariza joined Roach in his prediction saying that Pacquiao will win by knock out. His adviser, Michael Koncz likewise predicted that Paquiao will win by KO in the later rounds.
Despite all these predictions from his own team, Pacquiao declined to comment on them saying he will leave everything to God. But one thing is sure - the pound -for-pound king will continue to train hard and lead his team in prayer during his training and before climbing the ring.
ABS-CBN News reports:
Pacquiao is aiming to win his 7th world title when he faces off with Cotto, the WBO welterweight champion, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The WBC diamond belt will also be at stake on Nov. 14.
