In report after report in fight after fight about Manny Pacquiao's preparation, we always hear about the intense training and strict regimen for the pound-for-pound champ. When the report gets to Pacquiao's diet there's always something about how he eats the Filipino dish tinolang manok day after hard training day.

Philippine Star, November 2006: "For the coming fight against Erik Morales, scheduled Nov. 18 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, the bouncy 37-year-old Neri is using the same old, winning recipe. 'Puro tinolang manok (chicken), nilagang baka (beef), gulay (vegetable) at isda (fish),' said the native of Davao who also manned the kitchen when Pacquiao stopped Morales last January."

Cebu Daily News, August 2007: "Pacquiao ended his session about 4 p.m. with abdominal exercises. Wakee Salud, a boxing promoter and close friend of Pacquiao, prepared a sumptuous meal, including his favorite tinolang manok. 'Among gilutoan ug tinolang manok na bisasya na daghan sagol kamunggay kay palig-on daw sa tuhod (We cooked tinolang manok using native chicken with plenty of horse radish because it is said to strengthen the knees),' said Salud in jest."

Philippine Star, June 2008: "In charge of the kitchen are Aplas Fernandez and Neri who cook and prepare Pacquiao’s tinolang manok, grilled pampano and malunggay."

GMA News, May 2009: "Pacquiao did some road work during the morning, after which, he had breakfast of tuna and tinolang manok. 'Sa gabi hanggang bukas puro isda at manok lang para madaling ilabas. Wala munang beef kasi mabigat sa katawan yun,' said chief cook Nonoy Neri."

Anyway, so he knocks out Ricky Hatton in a sensational victory that has experts wondering where his place is among boxing's all-time greats. The country gives him a rousing ovation upon his return, and Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo welcomes him into Malacañang Palace for a feast. What do they serve the champ?

Tinolang manok.