Manny Pacquiao nearly assaulted outside Los Angeles restaurant

Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao was nearly assaulted by a random fan outside a Japanese restaurant in Los Angeles on Sunday.

According to a report by the Philippine Star, Pacquiao was hosting a lunch for family and friends at the Kabuki Japanese restaurant when a lone assailant suddenly came forward and attempted to throw a punch.

One of the publication’s writers Abac Cordero, who is currently in Los Angeles, relayed further details of the incident in a series of tweets.

Pacquiao nearly assaulted as he came out of Kabuki restaurant this afternoon. White male was restrained by Pacquiao aides hurling FYs on MP

— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016

Assailant was held and pushed away from Pacquiao who ordered his companions not to hurt the person. @PhilippineStar

— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016

Pacquiao was by the door of his Ferrari when the person rushed to him. Held back, person kept shouting f… y… Pacquiao @PhilippineStar

— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016

Pacquiao group did not call the police. Pacquiao tells his companions, hot under the collar, “Let him go. Let him go!” @PhilippineStar

— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016

No media was around during the incident which caused a commotion at the backdoor parking lot of Kabuki restaurant @PhilippineStar

— @abaccordero (@abaccordero) April 4, 2016

According to Pacquiao’s personal assistant David Sisson, the attacker was merely inches away from actually landing a punch.

“I really thought he was going to hit Manny,” Sisson said. “He came in fast. He almost got to Manny.”

In February, the eight-division world champion went under fire after making statements opposing same-sex marriage. Subsequently, sponsors such as apparel giant Nike decided to sever their ties with the boxer.

Pacquiao is currently in the last stretch of training camp in preparation for his rubber match and supposed final professional fight against former WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley.

The fight will be held on Saturday, April 9^th, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the same venue where the two previous fights in 2012 and 2014 were held.