PACQUIAO TAMES MAYWEATHER AT L.A. PRESSCON
By Aquiles Z. Zonio
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 13 Mar 2015
LOS ANGELES ? The bigheaded warrior has metamorphosed into a meek lamb, intriguing both the reporters and diehard boxing fans here.
Does it portend an impending defeat of a pompous American fighter by a self-effacing Pinoy ring gladiator?
In past media events staged to promote his fights, Mayweather used to spew diatribes against his opponents.
Bravado was his hallmark as a boxer.
During last Wednesday?s kick off press conference, however, he was a different man. Mayweather was a tame fighter.
Wise men say the eye is the mirror of one?s soul.
And so, when Mayweather made his grand entrance to the Nokia Theatre, I looked straight into his eyes.
There?s a gnawing fear deep inside him. He was a portrait of a nervous creature.
Maybe, because for the first time in his boxing career he was pitted against a prize fighter who?s not scared of his skills and unbeaten track record.
He is up against a man ? somewhat a super human ? whose achievements in life is nonpareil.
Pacquiao is the world?s only eight-division boxing champion, a congressman and a reservist holding the ranks of lieutenant colonel in the Philippine Army and a Commodore in the Philippine Coast Guard respectively.
He is a lay preacher, singer, former actor, coach/player in a professional basketball league, a holder of an honorary doctorate degree and a second-dan blackbelt in karatedo.
Pacquiao as ever was oozing with charisma, smiling and jesting to a horde of journalists from all over the world who came over to cover the event.
Mayweather was a stark contrast with his strange demeanor.
The two legendary fighters were neither hostile nor cordial to each other. There was no trash talking or shaking of hands from the start until the end of a press conference.
Was it a proverbial calm before the storm?
Nevertheless, the mutual indifference is fueling up the drama of the Pacquiao-Mayweather epic battle come May 2 in Las Vegas.
Mayweather claimed he has never wanted a fight so bad in his life. Just this time?
Would he dare slug it out or seek refuge back to his defensive cocoon once he is pummeled by a barrage of solid punches from the Pinoy boxing superstar?
Reading between the lines as he spoke, he vowed to make the fight exciting. Good!
The fans all over the world are looking forward to a great fight, Floyd?
Photo: WBO Welterweight king Manny Pacquiao while being interviewed by ESPN sports as he enters the red carpet at the Nokia Theatre a few hours before the kick off press conference. Looking on (left) was Justin Fortune, Pacquiao's conditioning coach. Photo by Aquiles Z. Zonio
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Aquiles Z. Zonio.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Nick Ball vs Brandon Figueroa: Scrappy Styles Matchup in Liverpool
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 07 Feb 2026Undefeated Middleweight Sebastian Juarez Returns to the Ring February 6 in Guadalajara
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Esquillo, Arpilleda to compete at Lunar Horse Battle Royal 10-Ball Tournament at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 06 Feb 2026WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR MEDINA VS. CURIEL IN MEXICO, PLUS MAIN EVENT QUOTES
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Rene Tellez Giron & Luis Torres Battle for Mexican Pride in 10-Round Main Event of ProBoxTV’s ‘The Contender Series’
Fri, 06 Feb 2026Gomera and Ding are set to clash for the WBC Asia 126 belt
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026“Thunderdome 53 is stacked and I cant wait to see these fights March 13 at Thunderdome 53 - Promoter Tony Tolj
Thu, 05 Feb 2026WORLD ELITE SUMO MAKES ITS PRUDENTIAL CENTER DEBUT ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Sumalinog Brothers Score Wins in Bohol; Sign with Monty Flores (PHOTOS)
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 05 Feb 2026MANNY PACQUIAO PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCES AGREEMENT WITH TEAM BOXING LEAGUE
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Trifon Petrov unveils the signing of another USA Team member in Ariana Carrasco
Thu, 05 Feb 2026Jerome Gonzales off to a marvelous start in J&P 10 Ball Cup at Pacman's Cue Club
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 05 Feb 2026DCL amateur MMA on Feb. 21 at Sta. Lucia Mall
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 05 Feb 2026THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 3 FEBRUARY 2026: Shakur Schools Teofimo to Become 4-Division Champ; Zayas Unifies WBA/WBO Superwelter; Kelly Beats Murtazaliev
By Eric Armit, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: A Grand Week for Boxing in NY
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Wed, 04 Feb 2026