Manny Pacquiao meets teen with brain tumour – Boxing News
Not every fan gets to meet his icon but 18-year-old John Rocero did. The teen, who is suffering from brain tumour since last year, met with his idol Manny Pacquiao yesterday at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Rocero, from Stockton, California, was present at the MGM Grand with his parents to meet the eight-division world champion, who is an inspiration to many in the United States.
“Hi, John,” said the Filipino fight machine, shaking hands with the teen and accepting a portrait of the fighter by Rocero’s sister. Rocero is also invited to watch Pacquiao’s fight against Juan Manuel Marquez which takes place tomorrow at the MGM Grand.
“It's an honor that he visited me,” said Pacquiao. “I'm happy that I have time to pray with him. I believe he will be fine. All things are possible with (God).”
Rocero’s wish was granted by Make-A-Wish Foundation, but it was not the first time the Filipino made a teens wish come true. Last year, the Filipino fighter a stage-four cancer patient and he wished him well and prayed with him.
“He visited me yesterday when I was jogging. When we prayed, he had no hair. Now he has a lot of hair. God helped him, not me. I am just the instrument,” said Pacquiao.
Manny tried to convey the same message to Rocero. The teen revealed, “Manny told me that God would be with me for my healing.”
“For him to pray with us was great; I really felt spiritual,” said Rocero’s father. “I've watched the way he carries himself. I'm really impressed with him.”
Rocero’s mother revealed that initially the teenager wanted to see Pacquiao fight but now he has met him and his Christmas will be better than ever.
Pacquiao holds a huge fan base in the United States, even though he is not a native. The Filipino has risen to phenomenal success in just a couple of years. He is considered one of the best fighters of all time, and he definitely has made his country proud.
Rocero will see Pacquiao fight his nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez. He is a lucky boy who will get to see his icon fighting his toughest opponent of all time.
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