This Manny is backing the other Manny.
Manny Coles, a Filipino pig farm worker in Dunedin, just loves his fellow countryman and namesake, Manny Pacquiao.
Is he excited that his man Pacquiao is going to take on Floyd Mayweather in the fight of the century on Sunday?
You bet he is.
''For sure. He is going to win. We are very spiritual people. He is going to have the support of 100 million people behind him,'' Coles said.
''He is a national icon. Has come a long way. He started way below the poverty line and now they reckon he is the richest congressman.''
Coles (50), who comes from Manila, has been a fan of Pacquiao for a long time and reels off some of his best fights.
He said the Filipino boxer would win on Sunday afternoon (NZ time) as he had the support of all of the Philippines.
''He is phenomenal. So fast, and so quick. He has the power to knock out any opponent.''
Coles would be like every other Filipino this weekend, praying for his fellow countryman in Las Vegas.
He booked the pay-per-view fight as soon as it was available and could not wait until Sunday.
''We are planning a big party on Sunday. There will be a big crowd.''
So what about a prediction?
''He is saying he is going to knock out Floyd Mayweather. That is the first time he has ever said something like that. I reckon it'll be the fourth, fifth or sixth round.''
A Sky spokeswoman said although the company did not give out subscription numbers, it was a huge fight and early sales indicated there was a lot of interest.
