Excited Pacquiao can't wait to face Margarito

The intriguing 12-round title clash between Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito draws closer amid keening anticipation, with the Filipino boxing superstar finally touching down Monday night (Tuesday in Manila) in Arlington, Texas. The 31-year-old Pacquiao was accompanied by an entourage numbering 188 people in the three-hour flight from Los Angeles on a chartered Boeing 757 courtesy of Miami Airline International. Pacquiao's arrival came a day after Margarito and his group got in from Oxnard, California. Firing a verbal salvo, Pacquiao said he’s ready for whatever the Mexcian dubbed the “Tijuana Tornado" will bring into the ring for the World Boxing Council (WBC) super-welterweight championship. “Let’s get this on," he said, smiling. “One hundred percent na tayong ready at hinihintay na lang natin ‘yung araw ng laban. The world’s top fighter pound for pound also acknowledged respect for Margarito, never mind that the Mexican was once caught with loaded handwraps, an offense that led to the revocation of his license and a one-year suspension from the ring by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC).

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV “Magandang laban ito dahil gusto ko ‘yung style nya. He is always coming forward. An aggressive fighter who is always throwing punches," said Pacquiao of his towering opponent who sports a 38-6 record, with 27 knockouts. Leaving nothing to chance, the Filipino congressman had to work hard on his final day at the Wild Card gym, going four rounds with old hand David Rodela Monday afternoon. He then hit the speed bag and skipped rope before being told to end the two-hour training session. Pacquiao actually began the day with a run at Griffth Park despite a slight morning drizzle. Wearing a black trench coat over a cream polo shirt and jeans, Pacquiao was the last to arrive at the Los Angeles International Airport together with wife Jinkee, mother Dionisia, trainer Freddie Roach, physical and strength conditioning coach Alex Ariza, and Wild Card stablemates Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Amir Khan, the reigning World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion . Arriving at the Dallas/Fortworth airport at around 10 p.m., Pacquiao and his immediate family were whisked off in a black Navigator for the Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center, where his entourage is billeted together with that of Margarito's. Pacquiao starts his first day in Texas with track work at the Grapevine High School. He will then conduct a public workout in the afternoon at the Longhorn exhibit hall of the Gaylor Hotel, preceding a similar session by Margarito. – JVP/KY, GMANews.TV