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Boxer Manny Pacquiao in Central yesterday. Photo: Jonathan Wong

Manny Pacquiao fights off adoring fans in Central ahead of Macau bout

Filipino boxer draws legions of admirers on walkabout in financial district

Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao almost stopped traffic in Central yesterday as he was mobbed by hundreds of his compatriots in Statue Square during the first day of a Hong Kong visit.

The fighter, world champion in a record eight weight divisions, is here to promote his upcoming fight against American Chris Algieri in Macau, billed as the Clash of Cotai II, and made a surprise appearance in the city's financial district, which is usually crowded with Filipino domestic helpers on Sundays.

Pacman, as he is popularly known, was swarmed by adoring fans along Chater Road, and the crowd grew as they screamed out his name. Under heavy security, Pacquiao was greeted by about 300 people who tried to get close to the boxing icon.

Many fans took out their cameras to capture the moment and Pacquiao obliged as he smiled and shook hands with several people, although his security team was never far behind.

Watch: Manny Pacquiao's "not thinking about retirement"

"I didn't expect this kind of reception," said Pacquiao, who is one of the world's top pound-for-pound fighters. "I was overwhelmed. I didn't expect to see so many Filipinos in the streets. They were screaming ... It was quite an experience."

Pacquiao spent about 10 minutes in Statue Square before he was whisked away in his limousine to a junk boat cruise in Victoria Harbour with members of the media to promote the November 23 fight.

Degie Japitana was one of the lucky few fans who managed to have her photo taken with the World Boxing Organisation welterweight champion.

"He's the number one fighter in the world and I'm really happy to have had a photo with him. We are all very happy to see him. He's our idol," she said.

Pacquiao said he was pleased to be in Hong Kong and that he would be ready for his fight against 30-year-old Algieri.

"It's been good and I'm ready for the fight. I have another four weeks to prepare. There's nothing to worry about. I'd like to invite everybody to come to the fight," said 35-year-old Pacquiao, a congressman in his country.

Pacman said that after the fight he would focus on coaching and playing basketball for the newly formed Kia Sorento team in the Philippines Basketball Association professional league. He made his professional basketball debut last week in Manila, risking injury for the fight and annoying his training camp.

"Right now I am very focused on my training. After the fight, I will play basketball again," he said with a smile.

This article appeared in the South China Morning Post print edition as: Pacman fights off adoring fans in Central
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