Filipinos expect another victory of ring icon Pacquiao

MANILA, March 15 (Xinhua) -- All Filipinos are widely expecting to see another victory from the country's ring icon, Manny Pacquiao, over World Boxing Council super featherweight champion, Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico, in a much expected match to be held Sunday in Las Vegas, the United States.

Pacquiao, 29, is in his prime and has won six matches consecutive over Mexican boxers in Las Vegas over the past two years, the most recent being a victory over Marco Antonio Barrera in a 12-round fight, the second over the Mexican nicknamed "Babay Face".

Pacquiao fought a draw with his upcoming 34-year-old rival four years ago. His last defeat was in 2005 when he was knocked out by Mexican Erik Morales. But he revenged the defeat with two devastating victories over Morales later.

The Philippine presidential office has appealed to the public to regard Sunday as a "special day".

"You know, when Manny Pacquiao has a fight, there is almost no traffic and almost no crime," said Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye, while Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita described Pacquoaoas a "rallying point" of all Filipinos.

Many Filipino heavyweight politicians have reserved the 600 U.S. dollar ring side seats in the Las Vegas arena, among them Vice President Noli De Castro, who is expected to climb into the ring if Pacquiao wins in the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in the Nevada gambling city.

Other Filipino officials reportedly set to watch the fight include House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Environment and Natural Secretary and former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza Jr., who isa close friend of Pacquiao.

In previous statements, Pacquiao and Marquez predicted a war as well as a great and exciting fight as the two protagonists seek to settle the controversial draw on May 8, 2004.

"It will be a great fight. I've heard Marquez trained hard and doesn't want to disappoint his countrymen but I don't either because I have to win this fight which I hope would unite our country," Pacquiao said.

"I have prepared very hard for three months. This fight is for my country, my people and I will win it with my heart," said Marquez for his part.

An online poll shows 48 percent of more than 42,000 fans said Pacquiao will knock out Marquez in the late rounds, while 35 percent believe the Mexican will be finished in the early rounds, said Philippines News Agency.