"So how many people were there?" asked the portfolio-carrying lad.

"About a few thousands," answered the scribe.

"They came to see two guys weigh themselves and there were thousands?"

Before he could speak again, the elevator doors opened and the two fellows headed towards opposite directions.

The Caucasian man looked bewildered as he took to the right, while the guy from the Orient turned left looking as though the plane ride and the travel by land only amounted to a few hours and not the actual 13-hour flight from Manila to Los Angeles and additional hour-long plane trip from Hollywood to Sin City.

Just like many of those in attendance at the prefight rite who either came from Manila or other states and neighboring country like Canada, every second that Manny Pacquiao spent at the stage was worth it.

The entire ceremony lasted for less than 10 minutes with ring announcer extraordinaire Michael Buffer pumping up the crowd with his trademark booming voice in his introduction of the main protagonists.

First to be called was Barrera, wearing a black T-shirt that had the image of the Virgin of Guadalupe printed in front and accompanied by a Mexican rockstar. He was the first to weigh in and the Hispanic crowd went wild when he passed the test.

Then came Pacquiao, dressed in an all-red outfit, and whose short walk to the stage was marred by loud cheering as well as jeering.

A few moments later, after they flexed their muscles and posed for photographs, it was all over.

Pacquiao turned to his right, while Barrera to his left. The next time they see each other, they’d already be wearing gloves and ready for action.