Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ahead of Saturday's 'fight of the century', when Manny Pacquiao faces Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas, Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach has made the startling revelation that his fighter ran away from home to live on the streets at the age of 12 - because he caught his father eating his dog.
Roach said that times were so hard for poverty-stricken Pacquiao family in the Philippines that his father cooked the dog for food. Pacquiao was so devastated by this he went to live on the streets, before turning professional just two years later aged 14.
"Manny ran away from home after his father ate his dog," veteran trainer Roach revealed.
"He lived on the street, where he bought doughnuts at a doughnut store and then sold each one for a nickel more to survive.
"He slept in a cardboard box. He fought his way through all this, turned pro at 14, and look at the man he is today.
"The Philippines is a poor place, there's no welfare, no health system and if you don't have a job or money then you do anything to survive."
The contest at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is expected to generate more than £300m for the pair, with the split going 60/40 in Mayweather's favour.
Mayweather, 38, is an 11-time, five-weight world champion, while the Filipino Pacquiao, 36, has won versions of the world title at a record eight different weights.
WBA and WBC welterweight titleist Mayweather's record stands at 47-0, while WBO champion Pacquiao has lost five of his 64 fights, with two draws.
The fight will be broadcast on Sky Sports Box Office for UK viewers. The fight will cost £19.95 to purchase on Box Office, and will cost an additional £2 booking fee for those who book on the day.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments