Why this top US senator is rooting for Pacquiao

LAS VEGAS – A US lawmaker will be rooting for Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao on fight night, May 2 at the MGM Grand Arena.

US Senator Harry Reid is close to the fighting congressman.

Reid said he will not forget the help that Pacquiao extended to him during his campaign.

“I always try to help people who help me and no one has been more helpful to me, campaign wise, who’s been a personality, than Manny Pacquiao. I wish them both well and they’re good for the sport but Manny Pacquiao broke training on two separate occasions to come and campaign for me and I can’t forget that,” Reid said.

Reid also paved the way for the meeting between the Philippine congressman and US President Barack Obama in the White House.

The US senator advised Pacquiao to forget about the politics in the Philippines and just focus on training for fight night.

“Forget about Congress. Forget about what’s going on in the government in the Philippines, what is going on around the world. Focus on this fight. It’s extremely important that he has his full attention and focus on the fight,” Reid said.

Pacquiao will be going up against Floyd Mayweather Jr., a long time Nevada resident.

“I like Floyd Mayweather very, very much. He’s been great for the sport. He’s undefeated. He spent most of his adult life in Nevada. He’s been good for Nevada. I wish him the best. But the question is, Manny has been in in my corner whenever I needed him and I wanna be in Manny’ s corner when he needs me,” he explained.

Reid confirmed that he will buy his own ticket to watch the much-awaited bout.

“Would I ask for tickets? No. Every time I go to a fight I pay for my own ticket,” he said.

Asked if Obama will also watch the fight, Reid said: “I haven’t talked to him but I’m sure he will be. What else is he doing?”