Now that all the promotional tours are completed and all the press conferences are over and both combatants are in Las Vegas patiently waiting for their upcoming bout called:
“Lethal Combination” between Manny Pacquiao and David Diaz for a WBC lightweight title scheduled to take place this Saturday, June 28th at Mandalay Bay, all we can do is kill time and ponder the outcome.
Freddie Roach, Pac Man’s trainer and confidant, spoke to me and other reporters during final Los Angeles press conference that took place at the end of Santa Monica Pier on Monday, just prior to their departure to Las Vegas. Note to superstitious fans; the presser was originally supposed to take place at noon, then rescheduled for 2pm and Manny did not show till 2:40pm. Let’s hope he can make it to the fight on time.
Roach, the owner of a famous Wildcard Boxing Club in Hollywood, looking the worst for wear, who would rather be in the gym than talking to reporters, revealed that Monday was the last day of sparring. Among others, Manny went four spirited rounds with Yuriorkis Gamboa, exciting super featherweight prospect, 2004 Olympic gold medalist from Cuba. If you are a boxing fan and have never been to Freddie’s Gym, I highly recommend it; it is like a city of Hollywood in microcosm, there is always something going on. Once I was there, I thought that I was in a Twilight Zone that took me to a barber Shop from Eddie Murphy’s movie “Coming to America” were regulars were debating who was the best heavyweight ever. Last time I witnessed two heavyweights sparring and then one getting discouraged and asking his opponent to take it outside. Of course, Freddie canned him from the gym and restored order, but like I said, there is always something going on at Wildcard Gym, it is my favorite.
Freddie told reporters that Manny had a great training camp and feels great at the new weight and still has his speed and power with him and that he is most comfortable at 135 pounds. For once I would like to hear a trainer say that he is not satisfied with the camp and see what it does to Las Vegas bookmakers. Freddie confirmed that Manny walks around at 150 pounds and should he be victorious in this fight they are eyeing Ricky Hatton at junior welterweight, which could turn into a blockbuster event.
The question of the day was posed by Robert Morales of the “Daily News”. Being that Pacquiao started his profession at 106 pounds. Many fans and scribes are concerned about his ability to take a punch from a very strong guy who fought most of his career as junior welterweight.
“That is a 64 thousand dollars question,” said Roach:” we will found out the answer in the ring on Saturday.”
