Verbal jabs mark big bout build-up

Las Vegas: Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather amped up the anticipation for their blockbuster bout, feting fans on Tuesday before they get down to the final, serious preparations for Saturday’s welterweight showdown, dubbed the “Fight of the Century”.But as fight-week swung into high gear, tensions between the camps were evident as Filipino icon Pacquiao and unbeaten American Mayweather made public bows at separate venues.

Pacquiao opted out of the “grand arrival” at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and instead, greeted fans down the street at Mandalay Bay. The several hundred who attended his rally were far outnumbered by the thousands who turned out for Mayweather at the venue that will host the fight. Most bookmakers have made 38-year-old Mayweather, 47-0 with 26 knockouts, the favorite for a fight that’s certain to be the most lucrative in boxing history.

But 36-year-old Pacquiao told reporters he is revelling in his underdog status as he spoke excitedly about the prospect of finally stepping into the ring to face Mayweather.“I have something to prove. I like being the underdog because my killer instinct and my focus is there,” added Pacquiao. But Mayweather said he didn’t really get caught up in the hype. “I’ve broken records before,” he said. “Are we going to do record-breaking numbers again? Yes. I truly believe I’m the smarter fighter,” he added.