Manny's dad predicts KO but declines to call round

LAS VEGAS – It’s only the third fight that Manny Pacquiao’s father Rosalio will watch in the US and he’s excitedly looking forward to a knockout over Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here this morning (Manila time).

Rosalio flew in with his son Rogel and Cebu promoter Rex (Wakee) Salud to witness his son’s defense of the WBO welterweight title. His first US experience was in 2009 when Pacquiao blasted Miguel Cotto into submission in the same venue where the third chapter in the unfolding trilogy will be written.

Rosalio and Dionisia Dapidran have four children together – Isidra, Manny, Bobby and Rogelio. The couple split up when Manny was 12 and in Grade 6. When Rosalio left home in General Santos City to start another family, Manny quit school and took to the streets, selling bread to augment his mother’s income as the oldest boy. Manny went on to become a world boxing champion and didn’t see his father for 15 years. They’ve since reunited and Manny bought his father a three-bedroom house in General Santos City a few years ago.