Manny Pacquiao, a hero in B.C.'s Filipino community
It's a fight that has been five years in the making. After delays, and numerous disputes Manny Pacquiao will finally take on Floyd Mayweather on Saturday in what is being called the boxing match of the century.
Pacquiao, the current World Boxing Organization's welterweight champion of the world, has become more than just a boxer for his legions of Filipino fans across the world, including those in B.C.
"He's the biggest. You mention the Philippines and you talk about athletes, Manny Pacquiao would be the first name that comes out of your mouth," says Jason Alojado, a long time Filipino boxing fan.
He says the massive appeal comes from Pacquiao's rags-to-riches story.
"He came from a hometown that was pretty much ripped apart by rebel fighting, and then ended up in Manilla to start a boxing career just to make ends meet. He ended up winning fight after fight, and now he's blown up."
Alojado will join millions of other Filipinos worldwide to watch the fight, which takes place at the MGM casino in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, who has five professional losses in the 64 fights he's had, will arguably face the toughest opponent in his career in the form of the undefeated Floyd Mayweather.
Despite the blemish-less record of his opponent, Pacquiao's fans aren't concerned about their hero in the ring.
"He's had a couple of losses in career but I think this is one where he's going to put a stamp on it and say 'I'm going to end my career with a bang and hand Mayweather his first loss,'" says Alojado.
St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Vancouver will be hosting an event playing the fight live.
To hear the full interview, click the audio labelled: Pacquiao's fans excited to see their hero in ring.
