Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs among stars in Las Vegas for Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight

By Melissa Arseniuk (contact)

Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 | 11:41 a.m.

Steve Marcus

Sean “P. Diddy” Combs waits to see the Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Nothing brings the celebs together in Las Vegas like the love of a good fight.

The big Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto match-up will go down Saturday night at the MGM Grand, but the parties will start tonight as thousands flock town, anxious for their part of the action.

Team Pacquiao will throw its official fight party tonight at Privé, where resident DJ Jermaine Dupri will ensure the team behind the Philippines’ best pound-for-pound fighter kicks off their big weekend in a big way.

While the fight won’t take place until Saturday, that doesn’t mean there won’t be any entertainment at MGM Grand tonight:

Though her blows come in the form of hard-hitting comedy, funny lady Lily Tomlin won’t pull any punches this weekend as she continues her stand at Hollywood Theatre.

Two other, very funny people will also entertain Las Vegas audiences this weekend: Kevin James of “King of Queens” and Ray Romano of “Everybody Loves Raymond” will join forces and take to the stage inside the Terry Fator Theatre at The Mirage for a double bill of laughter both tonight and Saturday evening.

Rounding out the weekend’s laugh forecast is “Saturday Night Live” alum Norm MacDonald, who will be at House of Blues on Saturday.

Before that, though, Third Eye Blind will perform its ‘90s-flavored hits tonight at Pure at Caesars Palace.

Saturday afternoon will see Playboy’s Miss December (and Hugh Hefner’s current No. 1 girlfriend), Crystal Harris do an in-store autograph signing at the only Playboy Store on the Strip. The “Girls Next Door” personality will be at the Forum Shops location from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. – though no word as to whether or not Hefner’s ex, “Peepshow” star Holly Madison, will pop by to say hello.

As we all know, Saturday night is fight night in Las Vegas so the main event will dominate much of the evening for much of the city.

It’s hard to know who will be ringside for the nine or so rounds, but sources say Sean “Diddy” Combs will be among the famous faces at the Grand Garden Arena.

Regardless of who wins, Miguel Cotto will throw a post-fight party at Pure.

Earlier in the day a host of All-Star chefs will gather at the Venetian for one of the city’s biggest foodie and vinophile events of the year, the annual Carnivale du Vin.

Among the A-list collection of culinary heavyweights are chefs Mario Batali; Daniel Boulud; Emeril Lagasse; Michael Mina; Charlie Palmer; Wolfgang Puck; Nancy Silverton; Charlie Trotter; and Norman Van Aken.

The charity event, which benefits Lagasse’s namesake non-profit, will kick-off this evening with a VIP reception at the recently reborn Palazzo Sports Book, Lagasse’s Stadium.

As the foodies and winos get their fill at the Venetian Saturday night, Jessica Lowndes of the new "90210" cast will be next door, at the Palazzo, where she will ring in her 21t birthday at Lavo.

Another hottie, VH1’s Amber Smith, will also be out and about on Saturday night. The “Sex Rehab with Dr. Drew” personality will be at Hawaiian Tropic Zone at Planet Hollywood Saturday night and as entertains out on the Miracle Mile, hip-hopper Fat Joe will entertain inside the casino, on the mezzanine level, at Privé.

Melissa Arseniuk writes about Las Vegas entertainment and celebrity events. She can be reached at 702-948-7823 or by e-mail at melissa.arseniuk@lasvegassun.com.