Many Filipinos in London patiently waited as they gathered to watch the fight between Philippine boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto.

The fight was shown live in the English capital through ABS-CBN’s The Filipino Channel.

Some gathered at a sports’ café to jointly watch the live telecast. The atmosphere became like a fiesta but some still said prayers for a Pacquiao win.

While waiting some even danced away the minutes before the bout dubbed as “Firepower.”

Each had their own prediction on how the fight will go.

“Cotto is number one, he is the champ, he is going to stay the champ tonight,” said Isaac Colon, a Cotto fan.

Shakespear Vallecer, a Pacquiao fan, said however: “It’s going to be so close. But hopefully, Pacman would have to have more heart, more passion”

The Pinoys held their breath as the fight proceeded to its first rounds. They were also with Cotto fans who strongly believed that the Puerto Rican fighter will retain his championship belt.

When Pacquiao unleashed his continuous barrage against Cotto until the Puerto Rican went down however - first in Round 3 and until the referee stopped the fight in Round 12 – the Filipino boxer’s fans continuously shouted for joy.

Even as the bout ended by early morning in London, many of his fans said their wait was well worth it.

“First boxer in history to win 7 different belts, that’s it. He is the best,” said Jeremy Lee.

May cheered and shouted: “Go Pacquiao... Mayweather is the next!”

More British nationals who watched the fight with the Filipinos became believers in the ability of Pacquiao.

The Filipinos meanwhile danced with joy at the new championship belt that Pacquiao will bring home as well as the new honor, they said, he has given to Filipinos. From a report of Rose Eclarinal, Abs-CBN News Europe Middle East Bureau