Award winning Australian ?Promoter of the Year? and boxing manager Peter Maniatis watched ?Fighter of the Decade? Manny Pacquiao training at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino for two days and marveled at just how good he looks.
In an overseas telephone conversation with the Manila Standard/Viva Sports, Maniatis said ?watching Manny train was a revelation. He was throwing ferocious punches as he pounded the heavy bag and ripped into the mitts held by Freddie Roach. The Pacquiao of old is back, better than ever.?
He said Pacquiao reminded him of ?the form he showed when he stopped Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky ?The Hitman? Hatton and Miguel Cotto and ripped Antonio Margarito, apart.?
Maniatis who manages WBO No. 1 ranked WBA light flyweight Randy ?Razor? Petalcorin noted that Pacquiao?s ?footwork was remarkable, the hand-speed incredible and he looks a different fighter from the last couple of fights. He?s got the X Factor. The ?Eye of the Tiger? is back.?
Maniatis added, Pacquiao ?was simply amazing and its clear the hunger is there.?
After all he has seen of Pacquiao training in Macau, Maniatis expects ?a late stoppage? pointing out that Chris Algieri ?is tough and can take punishment? as he showed when he came back from two opening round knockdowns and a right eye that was almost shut to win a split decision to grab the WBO light welterweight title from the Russian beast Ruslan Provodnikov.
The Aussie promoter/boxing manager noted that Pacquiao is likely to weigh in officially at around 142 pounds which strengthens the expectation that he would move down in weight to fight opponents like light welterweight champion Danny ?Swift? Garcia and Britain;s former world champion Amir Khan should the Floyd Mayweather Jr megabuck fight not happen by May next year.
Photo: A very sharp Manny Pacquiao works out at the Venetian gym Wednesday afternoon. Photo by Wendell Rupert Alinea.
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