Las Vegas Weekly

May 2, 2009 · 8 AM

Photo Gallery: Pacquiao vs. Hatton: Let’s get ready to rumble!

By Robin Leach

The weigh-in for Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton is emceed by Mario Lopez, center.

Photo: Tom Donoghue/www.donoghuephotography.com

Ring announcer Michael Buffer announced his trademark words to a crowd of 5,000 extraordinarily enthusiastic fans for the official fight weigh-in. TV show host and actor Mario Lopez played emcee for what became an event unto itself for the Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton fight festival at the MGM Grand Garden Arena tonight.

It truly was East vs. West, with loud, noisy British fans chanting as Filipinos rooted for their national hero.

The tension was so thick, you could cut a knife with it, and it appeared as if this battle of the decade also is between the two promoters, Las Vegas kingpin Bob Arum of Top Rank, who represents the Filipino Pac-Man, and Oscar De La Hoya, whose Golden Boy Promotions represents Britain’s The Hitman.

You thought retired fighter Bernard Hopkins was there not only just to look over the proceedings but also as a strong-arm in case the tension boiled over into a feud. There is no doubt this is going to be an incredible fight tonight.

Click HERE and HERE for our initial coverage, and remember to check back tonight for our breaking news flash from ringside as one of these courageous men conquers the other!

Jay-Z parties at Lavo

Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z celebrated the first of two big fight parties last night. He was at Lavo in the Palazzo early this morning, but with Larry Johnson and not Beyonce! Tonight after he attends the battle of the decade at MGM, Jay-Z will host his second party at TAO in The Venetian.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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