Manny Pacquiao Gets a Pep Talk From Mitt Romney Before Marquez Fight

Before his welterweight fight against Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday (Dec. 8) in Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao got an unexpected visitor in his locker room: Mitt Romney.

According to Romney's publicist, the 2012 Republican presidential candidate broke the ice by saying, "Hello Manny. I ran for president. I lost."

Cameras caught the rest of the exchange, which occurred during one of the preliminary undercard fights at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. "I wish you good luck tonight," Romney told Pacquiao. "Have a great night. Good to see you."

Romney, a former resident of Nevada, attended the fight with his wife Ann. They were invited by Nevada State Athletic Commission chairman Bill Brady. Pacquiao, who hails from the Philippines, dabbles in politics. He was elected to the Philippines' House of Representatives in 2010.

Saturday's Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight is the fourth between the two boxers. Pacman, 33, has world titles in eight weight divisions, but his last three fights against Marquez have been close calls.

VIBE was in the training gym with Pacman as he prepped for the Marquez fight. Check out the footage below.