Pacquiao packs preparation with prayer
TOWNSVILLE Bulletin readers have the chance to win a double pass to see boxing great Manny Pacquiao take on hometown hero Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane on Sunday. The winner will also receive a $ 2000 travel voucher. Enter now at townsvillebulletin. com. au/ competitions. MANNY Pacquiao had his head bowed in worship yesterday in a Brisbane church, but he says he will be holding it high and proud in victory on Sunday afternoon after he fights Jeff Horn at Suncorp Stadium in Australia’s biggest ever fight.
The world welterweight champion and wife Jinkee credit Pacquiao’s born- again Christian faith for saving their rocky mar- riage and yesterday they gave thanks among a flock of 700 at the Worship Centre Christian Church in Carina.
By his own admission Pacquiao, who has made more than $ 660 million from boxing, was once a wild man, a heavy drinker, who experimented with drugs and was unfaithful to his wife while he ran a strip club and casino.
But six years ago, as Jinkee was contemplating divorce, Pacquiao said he underwent “a spiritual reawakening”. Before a fight in Las Vegas, he fell to his knees and begged God for forgiveness.
He said he experienced visions and heard the voice of God so powerful that he felt he was melting. He said he felt as though he had died and had been reborn.
Pacquiao said after the two- hour service that he had not gone to church to ask for divine help for his fight on Sunday but rather to thank God for all his blessings.