By Cecil Morella

Manny Pacquiao says he has a simple tactic to beat Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas in May.

"Use my left and right," the Filipino told reporters when he was asked how he planned to deal with his undefeated opponent's height and reach advantage, and Mayweather’s defensive skills.

"If I hurt him I expect him to run. Otherwise he might fight me toe-to-toe," said Pacquiao, the underdog for the richest fight in history.

"Pacmania" has grabbed hold of the Philippines as the 36-year-old boxer, dubbed "The National Fist" by local media, is set to fly to the United States to train for the bout on May 2.

The 38-year-old Mayweather, regarded as the favourite by bookmakers, has not lost in 47 fights, of which he won 26 inside the distance.

Pacquiao has 57 victories and five defeats on his record, as well as two draws and 38 knockouts.

But he exuded confidence in Manila on Wednesday as he handed out free pizzas to supporters while preparing for his third game as a basketball player in the Philippines' top professional league.

His determination to play for his Kia Carnival team has raised fears he might get injured before the fight, which media say could earn him $80 million.

"I know what I'm doing," said Pacquiao, a devout Christian who is the shortest and oldest player in the Philippine Basketball Association.

He said he would also play on Saturday, hours before his US flight. "My Lord, my God, He is the Creator of everything. He knows everything," he added, pointing to the ceiling and repeating his mantra that God will keep him from harm.

Unlike his boxing, however, Pacquiao's basketball career has been underwhelming. He has scored only one point, off a free throw, in his rookie season as player-coach for Kia Carnival.

"That's fine. What's important is my team won. I needed to play to inspire my teammates," he said as his courtside struggles continued, going 0-2 with an airball in just under six minutes of play.

With him on the bench for the rest of the game, his team beat the Talk N'Text team, 106-103, their third win against four defeats.