Pacquiao's first 12-rounder impresses Roach

By Inquirer CEBU CITY--Celebrated American trainer Freddie Roach raised both thumbs Monday after Manny Pacquiao cruised through his first 12-round session at the Rex “Wakee” Salud gym virtually unscathed and wanting for more. Pacquiao has now sparred 80 rounds in preparation for his mammoth rematch with Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera on Oct. 6 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. “It was OK, he did great,” said Roach. “He just stayed a little bit too long on the ropes.” Pacquiao sparred four rounds with Mexican Raymundo Beltran, three rounds with Aaron Melgarejo, three rounds with Mexican David Rodela and two rounds against welterweight Arniel Tinampay. “He looked in much better shape today than when he first sparred after his flu,” said conditioning trainer Dodie Boy Peñalosa, who has been tasked by trainer Buboy Fernandez to check on Pacquiao’s stamina. Meanwhile, Roach vehemently protested a report which came out in several websites Monday insinuating that he has a tape of Barrera’s workouts, and that he has commissioned a spy in the Mexican’s camp. “That’s a total lie,” said the two-time Trainer of the Year awardee. “Tell them it’s not true. Why should I do that? I don’t need a tape. We already know how to beat Barrera.” Salven L. Lagumbay, Contributor