MANILA – Manny Pacquiao, who is in his second week of training in Baguio City, is said to be throwing punches that are getting even stronger while maintaining his speed.
American trainer Freddie Roach told this to ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo, adding that his ward is “punching like a middleweight...and the speed is there.”
Pacquiao is set to face World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The catch weight is 145 lbs.
When asked if he thinks this is the hardest Pacquiao is hitting, Roach replied, “Yes by far, 100 percent.”
Pacquiao’s training at the Shape Up Gym was opened to the media and fans on Thursday. The gym was jampacked as expected.
The world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter did a heavy workout for two and a half hours. Media members, however, were not allowed to cover his four rounds of sparring.
Castillejo reported that Pacquiao’s mitts routine with Roach was “quite impressive.”
Roach said he is amazed at how quick Pacquiao is getting in shape. He noted that they are ahead of schedule to peak.
The three-time Trainer of the Year recipient predicted once again that Pacquiao will defeat Cotto via knockout.
“Before, I thought the fight might go the distance. Now I'm betting KO,” he stated.
Extra motivation
Castillejo added that Pacquio has his mind set on working double time to get in the best shape of his life.
He said Baguio is a great place to do just that. “Maganda dito. Green, presko, kaya't gustung-gusto ko. Nakaka-relax ng isip,” he said.
Pacquiao was energetic and enthusiastic throughout his practice, noting that his extra motivation is coming from his desire to set a new record in boxing.
“Imagine mo, first boxer na makakuha ng world title sa seven weight class[es]. Wala pa gumagawa noon,” he noted.
Cotto’s WBO welterweight belt and the WBC Diamond Belt will be at stake on Nov. 14.
After his training, Pacquiao even sang the birthday song for assistant coach Buboy Fernandez who celebrated his birthday last Thursday. “Ito, kaibigan ko mula bata kami. Thank you ha,” he said.
Obligation to help
In addition, Pacquiao offered a prayer for the tropical Storm “Ondoy” victims after his training. “Ipagdasal natin at magbigay pa tayo... maraming kailangan.”
He wrote in his Oct. 1 “Kumbinasyon” column on PhilBoxing.com that he is planning to visit the victims on Sunday and give away relief goods. He earlier pledged P1 million for the flood victims.
His promoter, Bob Arum of Top Rank Promotions, also donated P1 million.
“In times of need, it is our obligation to help those people,” Arum said.
Arum arrived in Baguio City on Thursday to check on Pacquiao’s preparation for the Nov. 14 bout. The Top Rank head honcho will remain in the “City of Pines” until Sunday. – With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News
Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/10/02/09/roach-now-im-betting-ko
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.