People's Champ Manny Pacquaio is asking the Bacoleños to pray for him and support him in his match with Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 2 (May 3, Sunday, Philippine time) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada dubbed as the "Battle for Greatness" and "The Fight of the Century."

Bacolod Rep. Evelio Leonardia said this was the specific request of Pacquiao to Bacoleños during their talk yesterday at the latter's suite in Las Vegas.

Pacquaio, a congressman of Sarangani Province, is the seatmate of Leonardia in the House of Representatives. He had been declared an “adopted son” of Bacolod when Leonardia was its Mayor.

The eight-time world division champion is asking his brothers and sisters in Bacolod and Negros Occidental to also pray for the safety of those in the undercard bouts. He is also praying that nothing bad will happen to his countrymen while watching his fight, Leonardia said.

Leonardia has been a long time member of Team Pacquiao, first as championship belt holder and then as the Philippine flag bearer in the ring for many years.

He is godfather to two children of Pacquiao, Mary Divine Grace, or Princess, and his youngest son, Israel.*

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