‘Pacman’ pushes back Baguio City departure
Going against earlier assumptions, Manny Pacquiao has decided to arrive in Baguio City on Sunday, pushing back the official starting date of his training camp and sparring sessions.
The seven-division titlist will rest Sunday with training camp commencing Monday. Sparring will start Tuesday.
An official reason for Pacquiao pushing the dates back wasn’t given, but is believed to be motivated by his position as Sarangani congressman.
Pacquiao’s famous trainer, Freddie Roach, said he wasn’t concerned with the change of plans. “As long as we get there before Sunday, as that will be a rest day, the official camp opens on Monday and Tuesday is the first day of sparring.”
Despite training camp starting Monday, Pacquiao has been spending his time alternating between congressional duties and training. He trained for the third straight day at the Johnny Elorde gym Wednesday, bumping Roach’s confidence.
“His power is unbelievable,” Roach mused. “I feel it even though I wear pads. They don’t help that much.”
Pacquiao will be vying for his eighth championship title in as many weight divisions. The bout with Antonio Margarito, which will take place in Dallas, Texas, will be for the vacant WBC junior middleweight crown.
To kick things off, Pacquiao will be sparring with light middleweights Michael Medina and Glen Tapia. Other sparring partners will include Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and Vanes Martirosyan, both of whom stand over six feet. The rational is to prepare Pacquiao
for opponents of Margarito’s stature.
Sparring partners confirmed that they were excited to spar with Pacquiao and assist in his preparation.
Freddie Roach recently said he believes his fighter will knock out Margarito within eight rounds. His intention is to use superior footwork and to cut off angles for Margarito, who lacks Pacquiao’s speed and technical skills. Margarito hopes to wear down
Pacquiao and use his size to fatigue and overwhelm his opponent.
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