Sunday 22 February 2015 11:24, UK
Manny Pacquiao is taking the biggest fight of his career against undefeated Floyd Mayweather in his stride, and claims he will treat it like any other fight.
Boxing fans have been waiting for years for the match between the two men, considered the best "pound-for-pound" fighters of their generation.
After years of squabbling and negotiations, the two boxers finally announced on Friday that they would be facing off in a fight that will unify the world welterweight crowns on May 2 in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, who had already started light training for the fight weeks ago, said: "This is just like any other fight I had before.
I've been in this kind of situation many times in my previous fights. It doesn't scare me. I love being the underdog.
"I've been in this kind of situation many times in my previous fights. It doesn't scare me."
Mayweather has been made the favourite for the bout by bookmakers at odds of around 1/3, but Pacquiao added: "I love being the underdog. It even motivates me to train hard and go for the crown."
Following reports where the Mayweather camp was quoted as criticising his fighting style, Filipino Pacquiao said the American would soon learn the difference between watching him on screen and facing him in the ring.
The 36-year-old, who has 57 victories and five defeats in his career, also said he would probably fly out to America by February 28 ahead of the fight with 38-year-old Mayweather, who is undefeated in 47 fights.
Pacquiao's American promoter Bob Arum also confirmed that the two fighters have not made any provisions for a re-match to be written into the fight contract. "That wasn't even discussed," he said.
