Thursday, November 5, 2009

Pacman a hit on US late-night show 'Jimmy Kimmel Live'

MANILA -- Manny Pacquiao sang his heart out in American late-night show “Jimmy Kimmel Live”, endearing himself further to his Filipino and even American fans with his gamely attitude.

Pacquiao, arguably today’s most popular boxer, delivered his own rendition of Dan Hill’s “Sometimes When We Touch” before a Pinoy-dominated audience who attended ABC’s late-night show.

He might not be as gifted as “YouTube” star Charice, but he was definitely given a standing ovation after the song.

Before belting out the song, the reigning pound-for-pound king shared a few laughs with host Kimmel, gamely answering the interview which lightly touched on his love for the sport, his showbiz exploits and his family life.

“Aside from boxing, I like acting,” said Pacquiao. “I'm enjoying doing it (singing).”

He also had a short explanation on his decision to name his youngest daughter after British monarch Queen Elizabeth.

“Well I like that name,” said the boxer, who then flashed his usual smile.

Pacquiao said he took a liking on the name after hearing it in the movies.

Kimmel then joked: “I think you mean Queen Latifa,” which sent the boxer laughing.

Pacquiao’s appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show is part of his efforts to promote his upcoming fight with World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

Kimmel commented on Pacquiao’s modesty especially on how he addresses his opponents, particularly Cotto.

“I think it's interesting that you haven't been bragging that you'd knock the guy out, you have respect for him as a fighter,” said the talk show host.

“Yeah, I respect Miguel Cotto, he's the champion and I'm the challenger. He's a good fighter also,” said the Filipino.

Cotto gives media day work out

While Pacquiao was singing in Los Angeles, his opponent gave a media day work out in Las Vegas.

Cotto looked good especially during the mitt session part of the workout.

The Puerto Rican champion is currently weighing a little over 150 pounds and is confident of winning the fight. The match is set at a 145-pound catch weight.

Cotto said Pacquiao deserves credit for his wins against Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton. He, however, warns the Filipino champ he's not going to roll over like them.

"He beat Ricky Hatton, he beat Oscar de la Hoya but he's going to face now Miguel Cotto," said Cotto. "I'm not Oscar de la Hoya [or Hatton]."

His trainer Joe Santiago, meanwhile, commented on coach Freddie Roach’s knock-out prediction favoring Pacquiao.

"He can say whatever he wants,” said Santiago through a translator. “It's incredible how he continues speaking but we leave that behind so we don't have that in mind.”

“My only concern is that he needs to train Manny Pacquiao because it's easy to say with words but they'll have to prove it in the ring." With reports from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News; and Joseph Pimentel, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau.


Source: yahoo.com

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