Manny Pacquiao prays at Brisbane church

Filipino boxing great Manny Pacquiao has attended a Brisbane church service hours after touching down in the city for his blockbuster against Jeff Horn.

Manny Pacquiao attended a church service in Brisbane on Sunday morning but is confident he won't need any help from above to knock out his first opponent in eight years.

The Filipino boxing legend touched down in Queensland late on Saturday night ahead of his blockbuster against Jeff Horn next Sunday and after a good night's rest, immediately sought out an appropriate place of worship in the city's southern suburbs.

The 38-year-old is a devout Christian and gave up drinking, gambling and womanising six years ago after claiming he heard the voice of God and saw two angels in a dream.

"This (religion) is my main priority, more than anything," Pacquiao told reporters.

"Sunday is a worship day, a day for giving time to the Lord and giving thanks for all the blessings that he gives to us."

Pacquiao will hold a light sparring session on Monday and believes he will end Horn's unbeaten run on Sunday in front of a bumper Suncorp Stadium crowd and retain his WBO welterweight championship.

Not since a technical knockout of Miguel Cotto in 2009 has he stopped an opponent and said it would be a "bonus" if he could floor Horn, a 29-year-old former schoolteacher who has rocketed into boxing's elite bracket over the past two years.

"I'm so thankful for this great opportunity to be here in Australia and fight here, and the warm welcome of the people here," Pacquiao said.

"I think this is one of the biggest crowds that I'm going to fight to. I love the fans shouting and cheering for me, or for Horn. I like that, it's exciting."

Pacquiao identified Horn's powerful right hand as his biggest strength.

"I consider him a tough opponent," he said.

"I never underestimate my opponent. He's undefeated, he's young.

"I like aggressive fighters."


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Source: AAP



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Manny Pacquiao prays at Brisbane church | SBS News