Jinkee predicts hubby winning in 10

LAS VEGAS — While Manny Pacquiao has refused to make a prediction for his coming fight with Erik Morales, his lovely wife Jinkee was quick and ready to make one.

"Ten rounds. For me it’s 10 rounds," said Jinkee Monday as she shared lunch with Pacquiao inside the $4,000-a-month, two-bedroom apartment at Palazzo East in Los Angeles.

Jinkee, who flew into LA from Manila Sunday evening, need not say whom she was rooting for.

Jinkee celebrated her birthday the other day and got an early present from Pacquiao the moment she got to the apartment. It’s a Sony Vaio laptop worth $1,500.

Pacquiao had the laptop sent to Manila by air in time for Jinkee’s birthday but he ordered it flown back to the US after a customs official demanded a P50,000 tax.

Regardless of how she got it, Jinkee loved the gift. After lunch of beefsteak Tagalog, vegetables and steamed rice, Pacquiao took a brief rest before putting on his all-black winter get-up and leaving for Las Vegas at around 4 p.m.

Earlier in the morning, Pacquiao jogged and sparred four rounds against two partners. Pacquiao boarded his brand-new Porsche Cayenne with Jinkee and boxing promoter Rex "Wakee" Salud of Cebu. Seven other vehicles joined the convoy to Las Vegas.

Meeting place for the four-hour trip to Sin City was the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.

During a quick stop at a nearby gasoline station, Pacquiao stepped out of his vehicle. He immediately drew attention from those at the gas station, and agreed to have some pictures taken with a couple of fans.

"Go get him Manny," said one of them. — Abac Cordero