Manny Pacquiao’s camp is not taking any chances against safety and security when he sets up training camp starting Monday in Los Angeles.
Lawyer Tom Falgui has already reached out to Pacquiao’s people in the United States to lay the groundwork on these two vital facets of the Filipino legend’s buildup for the 21 August world welterweight showdown with Errol Spence at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“Things aren’t going to be the same as before when people would just approach him for selfies and autographs,” Falgui told Daily Tribune just hours before Pacquiao’s night flight to America.
Falgui said even Pacquiao’s residence near Hancock Park won’t be seeing lots of visitors and well-wishers, a familiar sight the last ten years whenever the eight-division is in town revving up for a big fight.
Falgui raised the alarm when lightweight champion Teofimo Lopez recently tested positive for Covid-19, leaving Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum with no choice but to cancel the fight against former Pacquiao sparmate George Kambosos last month.
“Imagine, he tested on the eve of the fight,” Falgui stressed.
Concerns on the alarming Asian hate crime gripping the US is likewise on the table, according to Falgui.
“We can’t take chances,” he added.
Even the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood is expected to clamp down on fans and supporters who would be trooping there.
Same is true when Pacquiao, 42, does his morning roadwork either at the Pan Pacific Park or Griffith Park.
Falgui said the security people will tighten up further when the team arrives in Sin City during fight week.
Pacquiao hasn’t been vaccinated and efforts are under way for him to get inoculated when he gets to the States in consultation with a physician.
Spence, 31, is the heavy favorite in his duel with fellow southpaw Pacquiao, who will be fighting for the first time in over two years.
