Manny Pacquiao arrives in Dallas
Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao and team have picked up their bags once more in preparations for their Saturday bout against “The Tijuana Tornado” Antonio Margarito.
Pacquiao’s team relocated to Dallas recently for the fight, which will take place at the Cowboys stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Pacquiao was in good spirits upon arrival, where he went for a brisk Tuesday morning run at a local track.
Following “Pacman” was an entourage of over 200 people, including family members, friends, and Philippine dignitaries.
Pacquiao, considered the pound-for-pound best boxer in the world, was elected to congress in native Philippines in May. This marks his first training camp while in office.
The Philippine congressman is no stranger to Dallas. In March he familiarized himself with Cowboys stadium when he met contender Joshua Clottey in front of 50,000 eager fans. Clottey failed to impress and handed Pacquiao the easy win.
Promoter Bob Arum, who promotes both Margarito and Pacquiao, expects Saturday will draw upwards of 70,000 people.
Pacquiao is heavy favourite due to his speed and diverse boxing skills. Many are expecting him to dominate the opening rounds. Margarito stands a puncher’s chance for many, but will almost certainly be more active and competitive than Clottey.
Margarito is coming off a unspectacular win over journeyman Roberto Garcia in May. Before that he faced off against “Sugar” Shane Mosley and was knocked out in the ninth round.
The fight was surrounded with controversy when an illegal substance was noticed in Margarito’s hand wraps prior to the bout. While the wraps were changed, Margarito was accused afterwards of loading his gloves, and was banned by more than one commission
from boxing.
Against Pacquiao he will be looking to redeem himself to those in the sport and to fans who have supported him. A win would make him one of the exciting and controversy figures in boxing.
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