LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Even the world’s pound-for-pound king is not spared from fears of the deadly strain of swine flu hounding the world.

During the “Grand Arrival” ceremony at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao was mobbed by avid supporters and media members at the hotel lobby.

This prompted Top Rank Promotions boss Bob Arum to forego Manny’s ambush interview with the media.

Because of the great number of people who come close to Pacquiao, the “People’s Champ” said he could not help but fear that he might contract the swine flu.

“Importante lang talaga mag-ingat tayo, at siguro laging maghugas ng kamay,” said Pacquiao.

Manny was accompanied by his mother Dionesia for his arrival ceremony.

Earlier, “the Pacman” had a training session on his first day in Las Vegas.

He started off with a morning jog at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) track and field. Even if the weather was cold, Pacquiao proceeded to jog for 30 minutes.

He then did foot speed drills with Coach Alex Ariza. Members of his coaching staff were all present for Manny’s first training day in Las Vegas.

Coach Freddie Roach was all eyes and ears on Pacquiao’s every move.

After the training session, Manny attended the grand arrival ceremony. Then he went to a private gym to continue his training.

He did warm-ups in the gym that had welcome signs for him and Hatton, along with their pictures, and the Philippine and British flags placed side by side.

Roach did not allow the media to cover Manny’s workout at the private gym.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s opponent Ricky Hatton held his grand arrival ceremony at the MGM Grand.

British fans of “The Hitman” proudly screamed and sang their statements of support for their idol.

Hatton said that his fans and Manny are set to see a new Ricky Hatton on May 2 (May 3 in Manila).

“If Manny would have fought me three or four fights ago, when I fought Mayweather and I was still careless, I’d lose,” he said.

“But if you saw my fight versus Malinaggi, you got a preview of the new Hatton, and all the more you will see the new me now,” assured Ricky.

Hatton added that if Manny is cautious of not getting stuck on the ropes, he is watchful of Pacquiao’s speed.

“His speed is really the key, that is his number one strength and I have to be ready for that, but you know I'm a pretty fast bugger myself,” noted Hatton.

Pacquiao, in a separate interview, said that it is all right for Ricky to brag about his new form as a fighter.

“Okay yun para sa kanya, mabuti yun. Pero makikita lang talaga natin yan pagpasok natin sa ring,” the Pacman commented.—with a report fromTJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News