LOS ANGELES ? Freddie Roach believes that Marco Antonio Barrera would need to conceal a bladed weapon or semi-automatic pistol in his trunks to get out of the ring in one piece against Manny Pacquiao.
After supervising Pacquiao?s final round of hard training on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), the renowned American trainer came out of the gym satisfied with what he saw.
Pacquiao has been pushing hard in training and had to be restrained by Roach exactly a week before he goes up the ring against the Mexican legend at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.
Roach was delighted that Pacquiao has been relaxed and composed.
When not training, Pacquiao horses around with members of his training team, fellow boxers and plain fans.
“I like my fighters when they?re happy,” said Roach. “It?s a good sign.”
Roach will work Pacquiao?s corner on American soil for the 12th time since the two bonded together in mid-2001.
Against sparring partners, Pacquiao had no problems.
With fans, the Filipino found signing autographs more difficult.
“Wow, ang dami nito. Nangalay ako,” said Pacquiao who was happy to oblige.
Ever since Pacquiao returned to the famed sweat shop on Vine Street a week ago, the boxer?s admirers have come in big numbers, including showbiz couple Eddie Gutierrez and Anabelle Rama and son Rocky, all eager to get a glimpse of their idol in combat mood.
The 28-year-old Pacquiao takes a rest on Sunday although it is believed that he will do some morning jogging before reporting for services at the Christ The King, a Catholic church located just a few minutes from his two-bedroom apartment unit at The Palazzo in the trendy La Brea area.
While Roach wants Pacquiao to pull the trigger early, the fighter is keeping his fight plans closed to his chest.
Ringsiders, however, believe it would not take Pacquiao 11 rounds to dispose of the 33-year-old Barrera, just like what he did to the Mexico City native in Nov. 2003 in San Antonio, Texas.
Nonoy Neri, a training assistant in his fourth stint here as cornerman for Pacquiao, has a different perspective of must dos come fight night.
“Sa unang tamaan pa lang at nasaktan si Barrera dapat hindi na patagalin pa,” said Neri, who also doubles as Pacquiao?s trusted cook.
Team Pacquiao leaves for Las Vegas between 3-4 p.m. of Monday after the fighter?s last workout that Roach said should start at 12 noon.
