By Inquirer
CEBU, Philippines–Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao started his training here Wednesday, confident that he still has enough time to prepare for and inflict a second defeat on rival Marco Antonio Barrera when they trade leathers on Oct. 6 in Las Vegas.
“He started training today,” said Rex “Wakee” Salud, owner of the newly built gym where Pacquiao intends to put himself back into tiptop shape. “He looked good. He’s in high spirits and seems focused on the task at hand.”
Pacquiao started working out at 1 p.m. Wednesday, doing some shadow-boxing, pummeling the big bags and the speedball, jumping rope, and hitting the mitts. The session ended at around 4 p.m. with the reigning WBC super featherweight titlist sweating profusely.
“We’re doing something about his training,” assured Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez, who came with Pacquiao to Cebu Tuesday night. “We know that Barrera is out to avenge his shameful defeat at the hands of Manny. We are taking him very seriously.”
According to reports, Barrera has already been training earnestly in Mexico since being given the chance to get back at Pacquiao, who stopped him in the 11th round in their first showdown in 2003 in San Antonio, Texas.
Pacquiao quickly left Los Angeles after a press conference last Friday, and in an interview with the media, stated that he is just trying to avoid possible Barrera spies who might be lurking at the Wild Card Gym.
Meanwhile, celebrated trainer Freddie Roach is set to arrive in Cebu Thursday to supervise Pacquiao’s preparations for Barrera. Roach is bringing along two Mexican sparmates for Pacquiao.
When asked about the “spies” angle, Roach told Maxboxing: “I don’t think spies are going to help anyways. I don’t think boxing’s really into that, in the FBI business. I wonder if the spies are going to be in Manila?”
Roach also rationalized the change in plans, stating that Pacquiao had originally wanted to train in the Philippines for the first month and then return to Los Angeles to acclimatize and complete his training at the Wild Card Gym.
Roach said Pacquiao expects to spend a month in the Philippines before proceeding to Los Angeles late September and finally to Las Vegas before October.
“Usually, I can’t control Manny, but now I can control him when I’m in front of him,” the multi-titled trainer added. “If I’m not in front of him it’s very difficult.”
Roach admitted that Pacquiao has changed a little bit since he went away to train Oscar De La Hoya rather than Pacquiao in his last fight against Mexican Jorge Solis.
“Maybe he’s testing me a little bit, said Roach. “See if I’ll go to the Philippines with him. But I have no problems with the travel and the thing is as long as we start training right away when we get there, I’m happy.” Salven L. Lagumbay, Contributor
One Feedback on "Pacquiao starts training in Cebu"
Crystal Clear
Manny should train and train good. You are only superb as to your last fight. What he really should know is that he is running out of time with too much distractions. October 6 is just a breath away. He only has to blame himself if he is defeated by Barrera. Revenge is as potent a motive to unleash all of Barrera’s strength.
As for Marquez, he is aching to face Manny too. He says Manny has no fight plan. He only punches with nothing in his brain. That should be something that Manny should transcend in all his fights. Be a better and smart boxer.
Come right on, Manny. You have much to show but you need to leash yourself to concentration.
For now, he has to prove that he is on top of things. Marami ang nag aabang sa laban mo, Manny!
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