By Jake Donovan

Manny Pacquiao certainly hasn’t been shy in making the media rounds the past few days, boldly assuring his adoring public that a victory will come on Saturday night versus reigning pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather. 

However, the final pre-fight presser for their epic May 2 clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas—which airs live on Pay-Per-View (Saturday, 9:00 p.m. ET, $89.95 SRV) saw a different side of both fighters. Mayweather was subdued and didn’t have much to say other than thanks to the other side for making the long-awaited fight finally happen. 

Pacquiao, on the other hand, used the matter to express his appreciation for arriving to this point in his incredible career and also the guiding force that has allowed him to remain strong during hard times in his life, long before boxing became a factor. 

“All of our success and achievements in boxing, it’s not us alone but also because of (the fans),” acknowledged Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38KOs) before turning the session into a mini-sermon. I’d like everyone to witness this Saturday a good fight. There’s a lot of questions in your minds. Only God can answer those on Saturday.

“I want to let you know everything I’ve accomplished, God has given me the strength. I want to be an example to everyone… I used to sleep in the street starving. The Lord raised me in this position. I can’t imagine that the boy who didn’t have food while living in the streets is raised to the level.”

Pacquiao’s religious awareness has heightened in recent years, to where he brings up the topic as often as he talks about boxing during fight week. The superstar fighter from the Philippines has used his celebrity status for a number of good deeds for his nation, including—but certainly not limited to—his serving in public office, now in his second term as a Congressman. 

These days, the attention he commands has centered largely around enlightenment. Often, Pacquiao expresses his own appreciation in the god to which he prays. Now in the heart of fight week for what many target as the most lucrative boxing event ever, he hopes to begin a spiritual relationship outside the ring with his longtime pound-for-pound and box office rival.

“Our goal is to give the fans satisfaction and entertainment,” insists Pacquiao, before getting to his ultimate goal. “Floyd and I have been working hard to entertain you. I just hope… nothing personal because I’m going to do my best on Saturday. 

“The most important thing (to me) is that after the fight we can have a conversation with Floyd sharing my faith in God, that we need to inspire those children looking up to us, supporting us. We hope this fight isn’t just entertaining, but that we give inspiration.” 

Jake Donovan is the Managing Editor of BoxingScene.com. Twitter: @JakeNDaBox