Pacquiao foe arrives for title bout Oct. 14

Nadel Hussein planed in last night for his Oct. 14 duel with WBC international superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao, at the Ynares Sports Center, but the Filipino fighter did not get to see his foe face to face on his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Hussein, accompanied by his trainer/manager Jeff Fenech, former three-time world champion, flew in at 6:15 p.m. aboard a Qantas airlines flight.

He was met at the airport by Gabriel "Bebot" Elorde promoter of the event billed as the "Encounter in Antipolo."

Very excited and eager to face his opponent, Pacquiao wanted to be at the Ninoy Aquino International airport last night to personally welcome Nadel Hussein in the country. However, he failed to secure a special pass to be able to see him at the arrival area.

"Gusto ko na talaga siyang makita, kasi ‘yung tape na nakita ko iba doon sa picture, kaya gusto ko sa personal ko na kaagad siya makaharap," Pacquiao said. "Siyempre, gusto ko rin ipakita sa kanya na mababait tayong mga Pinoy, kaya ako mismo sana ang mag-welcome sa kanya."

The event, being promoted by the Elorde International Productions of Elorde and supported by Rizal Provincial Gov. Casimiro Ynares Jr., San Miguel Beer, Pagcor and Elorde Sports Center, will be telecast on a slightly delayed basis over IBC 13 at 10 p.m. on Saturday.

The two combatants, plus the two other international fighters in the undercard will have the chance to size up each other in a press preview on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at the Elorde gym.

"Mabigat ang labang ito. Maganda ang rekord ni Hussein at saka hindi naman talaga siya Australian, Lebanese talaga siya, kaya hindi ko alam kung anong klaseng boxer ang mga taga-Lebanon," Pacquiao said.

The two other international bouts feature Manny Melchor against Zarlit Rodrigo for the WBC International minimumweight crown, and Randy Mangubat versus Jong Wan Kim of Korea for the vacant flyweight title.

Tickets are available at the following outlets: Ynares Center (650-1239/696-1487); Rizal Provincial Capitol (635-3448); Elorde Sports Center (829-9721/829-9727/541-9398).