Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia left for Las Vegas yesterday as guest of Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao in his fight versus Marco Antonio Barrera on Sunday.

Leonardia has, again, been personally requested by Bacolod's Adopted Son to be at the ringside during the fight and to again carry his championship belt. Pacquiao said that Leonardia is his lucky charm, a City Hall press release said.

The Pacquiao-Barrera Fight, this time dubbed as the "Will to Win" will be held at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, USA.

The mayor's trip to L.A. is at no cost to the city, just like his previous trips abroad. "All of my trips outside the country have always been at no cost to the city, even way back when I was a member of the city council," Leonardia said. The mayor is also set to meet with the Ilonggo Associations in California where he will report on developments in Bacolod. His itinerary also includes a courtesy call on Las Vegas City Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Meanwhile, the Bacolod City government is again offering a free viewing of the fight at four venues: the city hall grounds, and the Burgos, Libertad and Bacolod Central Market. Three TV sets will be situated at the city hall while each of the major markets will have one television set each. Pacquiao's major sponsors will be present to give the coverage a festive mood by giving out merchandizing materials and give-aways to the audience, the press release said.

Leonardia enjoins all Bacoleños to support Pacquiao by viewing his fight on Sunday at home or at the four venues sponsored by the city.*

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