It’s payback time for Manny

LAS VEGAS — For the second time in 10 months, Manny Pacquiao, a Filipino, and Erik Morales, a Mexican, will take center stage in this city of non-stop entertainment.

Once again, boxing fans from around the world will watch these two superb fighters square off, hoping to witness another match that will be talked about for years to come.

But for millions of Filipinos, there’s more than just watching the fight. For them — probably even more than for Pacquiao — this is a time for payback.

Morales, a former three-time world champion, broke the hearts of Filipinos when he dealt Pacquiao a painful loss at the MGM Grand in March last year.

It was only the third loss in Pacquiao’s career. But for the fans of the 27-year-old slugger, it left a score that remains to be settled.

Pacquiao suffered a nasty, ugly cut in the fifth round of that first fight, but fought Morales the rest of the match, his right eye virtually blind.

Pacquiao still carries the scar from that cut. His fans, including those who were with him when he was still a struggling flyweight, still carry the scar of that fight.

On Saturday night here in Vegas, where resorts, casinos, bars and restaurants are in practically every corner, Pacquiao gets a second crack, and probably his last, against Morales.

"Our country’s honor is at stake in this fight, and not just the name and honor of my family. This is for all of us. Watch it. This is going to be a great fight," said Pacquiao.

In Manila, Malacañang said President Arroyo is praying for the victory of the "people’s boxing champion Pacquiao" in his bout with Morales.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye Jr. said the President "joins the rest of the Filipinos" in wishing Pacquiao all the best in his fight.

"We hope that Manny Pacquiao will be triumphant, let us all pray for him to prevail in this bout," Bunye said.

"This fight is not just a fight for Manny Pacquiao. This fight is a fight forthe entire Philippines," the General Santos City native said.

The fight, a certified blockbuster, will be staged at the 16,000-seat Thomas and Mack Center, just 15 minutes away from the magnificent Wynn Las Vegas, the official hotel.

The non-title bout is scheduled for 12 rounds. While many believe that it will last the distance, just like the previous one, there are those betting that it won’t.

Pacquiao will go into the fight off a six-week training course at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, and Morales after a longer regimen at a secluded camp in Querataro, Mexico.

Despite the fact that these two boxers are of very different styles, there’s no way they would pull their best punches; expect them to slug it out, toe-to-toe, at every opportunity.

Hundreds of Filipinos have come to Vegas just for this fight, some of them coming all the way from the Philippines, and others from states as far as New York.

Those based in Vegas have vowed to be there, too. Some planned to skip work just to be at the venue while most others will watch in groups, in houses, sharing the $44.99 pay-per-view charge.

First Gentleman Mike Arroyo was finally seen at the lobby of Wynn Las Vegas, with his son Mikey and his family. The Arroyos are the biggest of Pacquiao’s fans.

Politicians — including mayors, governors, congressmen and senators — are here, too, each one of them out to catch Pacquiao in the flesh, each one of them hoping he’ll prevail.

A Mass is scheduled at 9 a.m. inside Pacquiao’s suite at the 51st floor of the hotel. Only the members of Team Pacquiao, some close friends, and probably members of the First Family will be allowed in.

Prayers will be offered during the Mass. Hopefully, they will all be answered during the fight. — With Aurea Calica