Roach demands closed-door training for Pacman, now
Four-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach has now pushed the “serious mode” button in the ongoing preparation of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. Starting this week, the California-based
boxing tactician will implement closed-door training sessions to basically prevent fans and the media from distracting the boxer.
After taking a deserved break Sunday, Pacquiao was back at camp Monday at the Shape Up Gym, as team Pacman begins a more rigid training, with six weeks left before his light middleweight
showdown with Antonio Margarito.
As usual, Pacquiao started the day jogging up and down a steep trail in Sta. Lucia Village in Baguio City. Of course, conditioning coach Alex Ariza joined the roadwork and after asked
the boxer to do some sprinting.
However, unlike the first days of training camp, Pacquiao decided to train only with his team.
Roach, 50, told reporters last week that Pacman’s training camp would implement a closed-door training to avoid distractions.
The trainer also requested HBO 24/7 to refrain from covering Pacquiao’s sparring session, claiming it might be used by the opposing camp for scouting.
After almost three weeks of training, Pacquiao has reportedly reached a near-peak form. Several sources indicated the seven-division titlist has been battering his spar mates after the
first eight rounds of sparring.
Michael Medina, who stands five inches taller than Pacquiao, sustained a tiny bruised over his eye after absorbing one of the boxer’s mean punches.
Dominican boxer Glen Tapia also tried to out-duke Pacquiao, but the Filipino is too sleek and powerful for him to beat.
Roach admitted he’s happy with Pacquiao’s current form, but he insisted more work has to be done in the following days.
Nevertheless, the trainer reduced the number of sparring rounds for Pacquiao to 100-110, believing it’s enough for his ward to get it done.
Pacquiao, who is gunning for an improbable eighth weight-division title, will be facing a talented group of spar mates in the next days, as Vanes Martirosyan, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., Amir
Khan are expected to arrive anytime.
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