Manny Pacquiao's strange entourage

Manny Pacquiao is arguably the best boxer in the world, perhaps on his way to becoming one of the greatest of all time. If he wins in a welterweight title bout tonight against Miguel Cotto, he will be the first boxer to win championships in seven different weight classes.

Yet, the most interesting thing that I have read about him so far is this piece from the New York Times. It describes Pacquiao and his entourage. They have some... strange arrangements.

“They’re all competing to be golden boy for the day,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer. “Clean his pool. Take his shoes off. They will do anything for Manny Pacquiao.”

Roach paused, unable to suppress his laughter.

“I’m telling you,” he continued, “the funniest thing is, whoever is on the best terms with Manny at that moment sleeps closest to him, at the foot of his bed.”

Tony Kornheiser, on Pardon the Interruption yesterday, said that Pacquiao's entourage makes Vinny Chase's entourage on the HBO show... um, Entourage, look like nothing.