VLOG: The Pacquiao-Rios weigh-in

MACAU, Hong Kong – One day before the fight the “Clash In Cotai”, fighters Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios are weighed-in. Both need to make the required 147lbs limit.

Natashya Gutierrez files this video blog.

We’re just one day away from one of the biggest fights of the year: Manny Pacquiao vs Brandon Rios at the much-anticipated Clash in Cotai. But first, the official weigh-in. This fight, for the vacant WBO International Welterweight title, has a limit of 147 pounds.

At 7:20am Pacquiao leaves his suite for the 7:30 weigh-in at the Cotai Arena. He waits backstage for his turn as undercards get weighed for their respective fights.

Soon, its time for the boxers of the main event. The mostly Filipino crowd grows impatient. First up: Rios. The crowd boos the Mexican-American, who tips the scale at 146.5 lbs. He’s unbothered by the overwhelming support for his opponent, even taunting the fans.

Pacquiao is next. Smiling, he steps onto the scale: 145 lbs.

It’s early in the morning, but the crowd is electric. Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee and mother, Dionisia are also here to show their support.

DIONISIA PACQUIAO, MANNY PACQUIAO’S MOTHER: Supporta lang ako ngayon para mabawi. Diba natalo siya? Pangawala natalo siya. Hinahangad ko sa Diyos, humaharap ako sa ring bukas, bibigay niya ang panalo ng anak ko bukas. (I’m supporting him so he can make a comeback. He’s already lost twice. I will face the ring tomorrow and ask God to give my son the win tomorrow.)

Excitement is in the air as fans from all over the world flock to Macau to witness the fight. This group of friends took a 10-hr flight all the way from Ireland to watch Pacquiao, who they call legendary.

MANNY PACQUIAO SUPPORTERS FROM IRELAND: (Q: Where are you guys from?) Ireland. (Q: And you came all the way?) We want to see Rios knocked down in the first round. (Q: What is it about Manny Pacquiao?) He’s a brilliant figher. He’s a legend of sports.

Overseas Filipino workers from Singapore and Hong Kong also make the trip to cheer on the Philippines’ pride. This group from Manila is rooting not just for the rise of Pacquiao but for the recovery of areas hit hard by Super Typhoon Haiyan.

OFW MANNY PACQUIAO SUPPORTERS: Para sa comeback ni Manny kasi marami na nag-doubt sa kanya all over the world. Ngayon papatuanyan natin tayo ang number 1. (We came to see Manny’s comeback because there are many people who doubt him all over the world now. Now we’ll prove that we are number 1.)

It’s a common theme here at the arena: support for Pacquiao, knowing he can do wonders in uplifting the spirits of typhoon victims in the Philippines.

MANNY PACQUIAO SUPPORTERS: Knock out para sa Tacloban. Go Manny! (A knock out for Tacloban! Go Manny!)

We found it rather difficult to find fans cheering for Rios, which is not exactly surprising, since he’s far from his home in California. On the other hand, this is the first time Pacquiao is fighting in Asia since 2006 so Filipinos nearby have taken the chance to watch their idol in the flesh.
Natashya Gutierrez, Rappler, Macau. – Rappler.com