For Manny Pacquiao, a boxing official’s orders to protect yourself at all times applies even outside the ring.
Philippine Star reporter Abac Cordero is covering Pacquiao in Los Angeles leading up to the Filipino’s fight against Timothy Bradley on Saturday. He tweeted on Sunday to say that Pac-Man was attacked by a man outside Kabuki Restaurant in Hollywood.
Cordero says the man was yelling curse words at Pacquiao.
Pacquiao nearly assaulted as he came out of Kabuki restaurant this afternoon. White male was restrained by Pacquiao aides hurling FYs on MP
— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016
"I really thought he was going to hit Manny. He came in fast. He almost got to Manny," said David Sisson, MP personal asst @PhilippineStar
— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016
Thankfully Pacquiao’s entourage came in handy and apparently ensured nothing happened.
Assailant was held and pushed away from Pacquiao who ordered his companions not to hurt the person. @PhilippineStar
— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016
Pacquiao was by the door of his Ferrari when the person rushed to him. Held back, person kept shouting f… y… Pacquiao @PhilippineStar
— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016
Pacquiao group did not call the police. Pacquiao tells his companions, hot under the collar, "Let him go. Let him go!" @PhilippineStar
— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016
Expect security around @MannyPacquiaoTR to be tighter in Vegas during fight week. Anything can happen @PhilippineStar
— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016
No media was around during the incident which caused a commotion at the backdoor parking lot of Kabuki restaurant @PhilippineStar
— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016
Edward Lura, a longtime buddy of Pacquiao here in LA, was first to thwart the possible attack on @MannyPacquiaoTR @PhilippineStar
— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016
Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KOs) will face Bradley for the third time. It is his first bout since his disappointing fight with Floyd Mayweather last May.
On top of worrying about facing Bradley, Pacquiao is being sued by a waiter over the Mayweather fight, and he has been catching heat for his anti-gay remarks. The last thing he needs is to worry about his safety when he goes out in public.
