Pacquiao Fever Sweeps The Philippines as May 2 Nears

Sales of Manny Pacquiao memorabilia have soared by up to 10 times in the Philippines ahead of the local superstar's fight against Floyd Mayweather.

Retailers are struggling to cope with the demand from supporters who are snapping up any paraphernalia they find.

Online and front-end retailers have experienced record sales of T-shirts, boxing gloves, figurines, caps and jackets. Buyers are stocking up on items they believe could at least double in value if Pacquiao wins in Las Vegas on May 2.

"Many are buying because prices might rise further if Manny wins. So while the fight is still days away, they are already buying these items," said 50-year-old Carole Lynn Yap-Tan, who has been selling Pacquiao items online for four years.

Yap-Tan said her sales via Ebay have jumped 10 times since February when the fight was confirmed.

Boxing gloves with “Pacman’s” autograph printed on them are the best-selling item. The prices have risen at least 50 percent, said Yap-Tan.

Buyers are mostly from the United States, but some are from Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom.

At Team Pacquiao, a store owned by the boxer himself, with branches in Manila and the southern Philippine city of General Santos, sales have nearly tripled, something not seen before Pacquiao's previous fights.

"If we had more stocks, we could have more sales," said Team Pacquiao sales representative Honey Gervacio.

Carlo Libut, an Australia-born Filipino and a Pacquiao fan, bought autographed boxing gloves for 4000 pesos ($91) for his collection.

"First of all, I love boxing. And my whole family loves it, my dad loves it, and I'm a big fan of Manny Pacquiao," he said.

Even street vendors are making a killing selling lower-priced Pacquiao T-shirts, with vendors in Divisoria district in downtown Manila saying customers often buy by the dozen.

The Philippines widely regard Pacquiao, also a congressman, actor, TV game show host, recording artist and player-coach in a professional basketball team, as a national idol.

Thousands of fans usually pack gymnasiums and public parks to watch free screenings of his fights on large LED screens throughout Manila.

Former eight-division champion Pacquiao is the underdog in the fight against the American, who has won 11 “world” titles in five divisions. But the Filipino’s supporters are convinced he will make history.

"I believe he will win, he will defeat Mayweather with his speed. Pacquiao is fast in the ring," Yap-Tan said.