Jinkee predicts KO for Manny

Manny Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee hit the nail on the head when she predicted a 10th round knockout win for her husband over Erik Morales in their rematch in Las Vegas last January.

After much prodding, Jinkee made another bold forecast for the rubber match at the Thomas and Mack Center on Nov. 18.

She said Pacquiao will repeat over Morales in the 10th round. "Ten pa rin," said Jinkee before leaving Manila to join the Pac-Man in Los Angeles last night. She was joined on the Philippine Airlines late evening flight by Pacquiao’s brother Rogelio, family friend Boy Lopez, Rex (Wakee) Salud, former Games and Amusements Board boxing chief Noli Flores, MP Promotions vice president for marketing Eric Pineda and wife Macy.

Jinkee called on all Filipinos to pray hard for Pacquiao’s victory.

"My message to Manny’s fans is to continue praying that he wins again, to keep supporting him and never to forget to thank the Lord for all His blessings," she said.

The day before she left, Jinkee sent a letter to the Carmelite nuns in Davao asking for their prayers. She has religiously prayed novenas to implore God for His protection.

Since Pacquiao left Manila to report for training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles nearly two months ago, he has communicated with Jinkee only via the internet and telephone. He was not in the country when Jinkee gave birth to their third child, Mary Divine Grace, last Oct. 1. The couple has two other children, Emmanuel, Jr., 6, and Michael Stephen, 4.

Jinkee said Pacquiao calls her via long distance telephone twice a day–once after jogging in the morning and the second time, before sleeping at night.

"I’m excited to see Manny again," said Jinkee. "He’ll pick me up at the airport when I arrive. Miss na miss na raw niya ako."

The Pacquiaos and their entourage will motor to Las Vegas from Los Angeles on Sunday.

Jinkee said she’s bringing with her the latest photos of Mary Divine Grace to show Pacquiao. "We’ve sent him pictures of the baby by e-mail," she continued. "I’ll surprise him with new pictures."

Jinkee said their children will be taken care of by nannies and relatives in General Santos City while she is away.

"Manny didn’t ask me to bring anything for him, just some jackets and shirts for his friends, fans and supporters," said Jinkee. "He’s always thinking of his fans."

Meanwhile, Pineda said Pacquiao’s training for Morales has proceeded like clockwork and he’s on course for a knockout performance.

"I expect a great fight," said Pineda. "There’s no more exciting fighter to watch today than Manny. He’s like a predator. Manny fights by instinct. When Manny’s in the ring, expect fireworks."

Pineda said Pacquiao’s boxing shorts will carry only three brands–Motolite batteries, Café Puro and Phoenix Oil. He will wear red-and-white Nike shoes.

Nike Philippines country marketing head Melissa Crucillo and marketing services manager Tony Atayde will be at ringside for the fight.

Nike has made available in the market an exclusive Pacquiao "Just Do It" T-shirt in red-and-white, showing the fighter with both arms raised, for P795. The shirt is selling like hotcakes in Nike stores and e-bay has tagged a price of $21.99. Nike is finalizing a print ad and a billboard starring Pacquiao to break before the fight.