A masterstroke by Wu, who is a good friend of the Filipino great, and confirmation of what had already been mooted the previous day certainly got us hacks’ heads down and typing away on our laptops. 

It wasn't as though the event necessarily needed it, such is the high-esteem in which it’s held within the boxing fraternity, but nevertheless, the presence of one of the finest fighters of his generation will undoubtedly heighten interest both here and across the globe.

The visit of Pacquiao, who is set to be among the spectators for tomorrow’s action, is very much reflective of the humble nature that has endeared him so much to boxing fans throughout his glittering career.

Although ever so slightly tainted by his claims that he won his most recent fight against Floyd Mayweather Jnr, a bout dominated by the American who subsequently established himself as the best pound-for-pound boxer of his era, Pacquiao has always been and will almost definitely continue to be the epitome of a modest and gracious individual in spite of his wealth.

His meteoric rise from extreme poverty to global fame and fortune has inspired a whole generation of Filipino fighters, one of which is scheduled to have the chance to compete in front of his legendary compatriot.

Having seen off the challenge of Argentina’s Leandro Blanc in the last-32 of the light flyweight competition yesterday, the Philippines’ Rogen Ladon meets the number one seeded Mexican Joselito Velazquez Altamirano tomorrow for a place in the quarter-finals.

Ladon was one of 39 winning fighters yesterday, many of whom compete in either AIBA Pro Boxing (APB), the only individual professional boxing competition that allows boxers to compete while retaining their Olympic eligibility, or the World Series of Boxing (WSB), which provides a bridge between Olympic boxing and a future professional programme.

Such is the existence of professional boxing within the AIBA ranks nowadays, Wu believes Pacquiao’s visit is particularly pertinent.

"Manny Pacquiao has achieved a lot, as everybody knows, so we’ve just invited him as our guest to see the level of competition at these Championships," he said.

"He will not go to compete by himself - that is not possible - but he can see and maybe from his experience in professional boxing, he can offer advice or some other suggestions."

Wu added: "We already have the APB so professional boxing is not new for us.

"We have our own programme, we have our own boxers.

"The first season has finished and particularly for these World Championships, there are some APB boxers qualified and also WSB boxers qualified.

"At the [Rio 2016] Olympic Games, we’ve reserved 63 quotas for the APB and WSB boxers, our own pro boxers."

Among the WSB fighters to make their mark yesterday was the United States’ Joshua Temple, winner by TKO having floored Pakistan’s Mehmood Hussan twice before the contest was stopped.

The only other success by that method came for Uzbekistan’s Bektemir Melikuziev, who took less than two minutes to knock-out Georgian veteran Zaal Kvachatadze.

If the opening day’s action is anything to go by, Pacquiao will be in for a real treat as he contemplates his own next move in boxing.

Having told the Philippines’ ABS-CBN News today that he is likely to retire next year after one last fight, it begs the question who that will be against.

A showdown with Great Britain’s Amir Khan seemingly moved a step closer on Saturday (October 3) when Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse, who was in contention to be Pacquiao’s comeback opponent next spring, was knocked out by Ukraine’s Viktor Postol during their battle for the vacant WBC super-lightweight world title in Los Angeles.

A re-match with Mayweather also can’t be ruled out despite the claims of "The Money Man" that he has retired following last month’s victory against compatriot Andre Berto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, the venue where he beat Pacquiao on a unanimous points decision in May.

Unlike with Mayweather, Pacquiao’s statement of intent to hang up his gloves is likely to be taken as final, in keeping with his "no-nonsense" attitude.

This is further reinforced by his announcement earlier this week that he will be running for a Senate seat in the Philippines' national elections next year.

A Congressman since 2010, Pacquiao has been touted as a future President of his country, where he is idolised by tens of millions.

It’s this sort of appeal that will provide a major boost to the World Championships here with ticket sales set to go through the roof.

A select number of lucky fans will have the opportunity to meet and greet the Pac-Man, as he is affectionately known, while I will be among the plethora of media representatives looking to grab some time with him.

Wu spoke yesterday of these World Championships setting the "benchmark" for future editions of the event, and having Pacquiao here will add plenty of substance to that claim.

A top-class venue, coupled with top-class athletes, will provide a warm welcome for the Filipino phenomenon on what promises to be a momentous occasion.