MACAU – Fight week has officially begun in Macau as both fighters of one of the year’s biggest boxing bouts are finally at the majestic Venetian hotel here, 5 days before a fight deeply crucial to both boxers’ careers.

Former 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao arrived on Monday, November 18, from General Santos City where he conducted his whole training camp. His opponent, Mexican American fighter Brandon Rios has been in Macau since last week, having flown earlier from Oxnard, California to adjust to the time difference and the weather.

Macau is 16 hours ahead of California.

On Tuesday evening, November 19, both fighters made their grand entrances at the Venetian’s main lobby, just 5 days before the bout, dubbed “Clash in Cotai.”

The crowd was mostly Filipino. (LIVE BLOG: Pacquiao-Rios formal arrivals)

Rios arrived first with his trainer Robert Garcia, to subdued fans who initially booed when his name was announced. The 27-year-old, known for his aggressive fighting style and strong chin, is looking to surprise the world and defeat the more experienced Pacquiao.

Also with Rios was Pacquiao’s former conditioning coach for several years, Alex Ariza, who has since left Pacquiao’s camp and now works with Rios.

Earlier, Rios told reporters he has done all he can to ensure a victory.

“I want to feel Manny’s power. I want to feel all of it. This is the first training camp I have kept to the game plan and done everything I was told to do. Manny Pacquiao is a big step. I am going to shut everyone up and prove I am the best,” he said.

Rios said he is “focused on winning,” and not necessarily on a knockout.

“My body clock has finally adjusted to Macau. I slept until 7 a.m. and was in the gym before 9 a.m. I know we are in Manny’s backyard and I want to win every round. I have trained not to give up a minute to Manny Pacquiao.”

In the middle of his appearance, the mostly Filipino crowd started chanting his opponent’s name, yelling “Pacquiao! Pacquiao! Pacquiao!” This fight is Pacquiao’s closest to the Philippines since competing in the United States since 2006.

About half an hour later, Pacquiao and his award-winning trainer Freddie Roach showed up.

Pacquiao greeted a relatively small but excited crowd, who cheered his arrival. Pacquiao, coming off two consecutive losses, is looking to make his comeback, and to prove he still can be counted among the sport’s best.

The Filipino superstar waved to his fans and thanked them for their support. He asked for prayers both for himself and for the Philippines, which has recently been battered by Super Typhoon Yolanda, killing almost 4,000. Pacquiao has dedicated his fight to the typhoon victims.

Pacquiao also gave assurances he is “100% conditioned.”

“I’m going to win this fight,” he said confidently.

A day before at the airport, Roach also made a bold prediction that Pacquiao would knock Rios out in 4 rounds.

“Manny’s last training session was nothing short of amazing. We were supposed to do six rounds on the mitts and I cut it off after four rounds. They were the best four rounds of mitts I have ever done with Manny. He was blazing. He was throwing the heat. This was the happiest and most productive camp I have had with Manny in years,” he said.

Rios’ trainer Garcia meanwhile said Rios would force Pacquiao into early retirement.

“I’ve heard Freddie Roach say he will ask Manny Pacquiao to retire if he loses to Brandon Rios. Well, Freddie had better buy that gold watch for Manny, because the retirement party begins on Saturday night. I guarantee you this will be the last time you ever see Manny Pacquiao on an HBO Pay-Per-View.”

Meanwhile, boxing promoter Bob Arum told Rappler he expects the fight will be sold out, and described the upcoming bout as surely “explosive.”

“I think [fans are] going to see a very explosive fight. Because Brandon believes he can blow Manny out of here and he’s going to come with a lot of aggression. We have to see the old Pacquiao fighting the way he fought Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton,” he said.

Both fighters face off on Sunday, November 24, local time. – Rappler.com