Rare photos: Young Pacquiao in Thailand in 1999
Daily TribuneA naked Manny Pacquiao tries to make the 112 lbs weight limit for his WBC flyweight title fight vs Thailand's Medgoen '3k Battery' Singsuran on 17 September 1999. Photo by Nick Giongco.
On 17 September 1999 in Thailand, Manny Pacquiao suffered a devastating defeat that set the stage for his US invasion nearly two years later.
In Thailand, Pacquiao was on his second defense of the World Boxing Council flyweight throne against Medgoen '3K Battery' Singsurat. Even before he climbed the ring, he had to totally strip off after failing to make 112 lbs during the official weigh-in.
Manny Pacquiao, left, with his team Philippines, prior to entering the ring for his WBC flyweight title fight vs Medgoen '3k Battery' Singsuran on 17 September 1999 in Thailand. Photo by Nick Giongco
Three days after losing his WBC flyweight title bout to Medgoen '3k Batttery' Singsurat in 1999, Manny Pacquiao waits at the Don Muang International Airport in Bangkok to board his flight back to Manila. Photo by Nick Giongco
These rare pictures show a 21-year-old Pacquiao undressing while trying his best to make the weight, posing with his team prior to entering the ring, and waiting for his flight to Manila with his handlers Rod Nazario and Lito Mondejar at Don Muang International Airport in Bangkok, three days after losing the title. Photographs courtesy of Nick Giongco.