Team Pacquiao on their way to Las Vegas (Photo: Twitter)

By Chris Robinson

With Manny Pacquiao having made his arrival to Las Vegas, the eight-division world champion is one step closer to his dream match vs. Floyd Mayweather, who he faces on Saturday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

For Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach, he views the contest as much of a conclusion than anything else.

“Our long international boxing nightmare will soon be over,” declared the Hall of Fame trainer prior to the team’s departure.

“Boxing has been held hostage by Floyd Mayweather and his antics long enough,” Roach added. “Manny is going to stand up to Floyd on May 2 and put a bully in his place.  On paper, and in the sports books, Manny shouldn’t stand a chance.  But neither did David against Goliath.”

Roach recalls Pacquio’s classic upsets from the past while pointing towards another this Saturday.

“Just remember, Manny has always come out on top when he was the underdog and you don’t have to look any further than his victories over [Lehlo] Ledwaba, [Marco Antonio] Barrera and [Oscar De La Hoya] De La Hoya,” said Roach. “Manny is on a mission.  This fight is his crusade.  The fans of the world are rooting for Manny to win just like they willed this fight to happen.  He is their champion.  This will be their victory.”

Meanwhile, buzz has begun to pick up in Las Vegas, as HustleBoss.com will be covering the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao event.

Check out our early interviews with UK’s Gareth Davies and advisor Sam Watson below and stay tuned as the action will continue all week.

Sam Watson in town early for Mayweather-Pacquiao; admits Manny could be tough

Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com