By John Felix Richardson
7-weight division champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao
Baguio City, Philippines – After spending almost a month training in his home country, Manny Pacquiao is expected to turn up his training as he is to continue his preparations for his November 13 fight against Antonio Margarito at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California.
Amidst comments from his promoter Bob Arum that his ward is not training hard enough for the upcoming fight, Pacquiao is not showing his old speed and that Margarito would win if the fight is held Saturday, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach believes that “Pacman” would still be ready come fight night and will beat the Mexican challenger via knockout in the early rounds.
“We need more focus but I think we are doing very well overall” said Roach
Pacquiao had been skipping roadwork to play basketball instead and skipped some workouts due to other commitments and flu. The pound-for-pound best boxer in the world is also a representative in congress of his native hometown of Sarangani in the Philippines.
Roach said that he is planning to leave for LA on Thursday. The 2-time trainer of the year also said that the toughest week of training is about to come. He is planning to have Pacquiao do more sparring with Mexican boxers Michael Medina and Glen Tapia in their remaining days in Baguio. Sparring will then continue in LA with new sparring partners.
Adviser’s Wedding
Before leaving Baguio and after a day of training, Manny Pacquiao is set to attend the wedding of his Canadian adviser Michael Koncz Tuesday night.
The 7-weight division champ is to act as the father of the bride and will escort her to the altar in his adviser’s wedding to Filipino Rachel Batimana. The wedding is to be held in Baguio Manor Hotel. The said occasion will be private with only a few close friends attending the celebration.
