Pacquiao, Vargas get warm welcome in Las Vegas arrival

Sen. Manny Pacquiao, an eight-division world champion, and his opponent, American WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas, received a warm welcome upon their respective arrivals in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A report from GMA News' Mav Gonzales on News To Go showed that Pacquiao was met by cheers and cameras, with the media and fans upon his grand arrival at the Wynn Las Vegas on Tuesday afternoon (US time).

Some Filipinos even flew from other countries to root for Pacquiao in his return to the ring.

"Na-surprise ako dahil marami pa ring ano... I thought nakalimutan na nila ako," he said.

The senator said he is excited not only for the fight, but also to share the ring with fellow Filipino boxer Nonito Donaire Jr., who will defend his WBO junior featherweight title.

"Happy ako na kasama ko siya, na kasabay ko siya sa fight. Gusto ko may mga Filipino na may kasama akong lalaban, hindi lang ako, para makapagdala ng karangalan sa bansa," Pacquiao said.

After the grand arrival, the Filipino boxing champ went to Top Rank Gym for light training, which included shadow boxing, jump rope, and core exercises.

He then returned to the hotel for a bible study with friends and family.

Twenty seven-year-old Vargas arrived before Pacquiao with his coach, Dewey Cooper. He was also met by fans asking for photos and autographs.

"I feel great," he said. "I'm very thankful for all my fans for all the support they've been giving me. And on November 5, I wanna be successful with a great win."

Some think Vargas' age is an advantage in the fight, but Pacquiao's coach, Freddie Roach, begs to disagree.

"I think it's a disadvantage. He's younger and he's not experienced, and Manny... his level's much higher than him. He's never fought someone like him," he said.

The upcoming fight is considered Vargas' biggest so far. Odds have become slightly better for him, going from 10-1 in favor of Pacquiao a few weeks ago to 5-1, still in favor of Pacquiao, last week, the News To Go report said. — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/RSJ, GMA News