BOSTON–He’s one of the most recognized faces in the UFC galaxy. His ears are rounded and semi-squashed like those of a guy who runs to and never away from any kind of fight.
His name is BJ ?The Prodigy? Penn and this is his 10th year as a UFC competitor and he goes into the octagon at the completely sold out TD Banknorth Garden (average ticket price, a whopping $244) as the No. 1 contender and challenger to lightweight champion Frankie ?The Answer? Edgar.
For those of you who are like me and just learning the ABC’s of the UFC, their bout is the main event on UFC 118, the big show in promoter Dana White’s old stomping grounds. The mixed match between veteran boxing champion James ?Lights Out? Toney and 47 year old Hall Of Famer Randy ?The Natural?Couture has overshadowed the smaller battlers but their fight is second billed on the solid top to to bottom bill.
It was mentioned that Coach Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao’s boxing guru, is a part time tutor to Hilo, Hawaii, resident Penn and a reporter asked Penn at Thursday’s open workouts at the Hynes Convention Center when and if Roach was coming to his old home city.
?I don’t know,? Penn said.
So put the emphasis on the often overbooked Roach on ?part time? rather than coach when it comes to Penn.
What’s the best thing Roach has taught you, I asked the 31 year old Penn.
?To get out of the way when you see the other guy’s hands coming at you over the top,? Penn said.
The next question is who Penn would pick in a Pacman-Floyd Mayweather showdown.
I?ve got to go with Pacquiao,? Penn said, ?I’m a fighter so I’ve got to go with Pacquiao.?
Does that mean he discounts Mayweather?
?No, I totally respect Mayweather and his skills but I pick Pacquiao when they fight.?
Browsing through press kit notes on Penn it became obvious why he would identify so strong with Pacquiao.
Asked his favorite technique, Penn said: ?My heart and my mind are my most important things. I know it doesn’t too original but I will prepare properly for each fight and never give up.?
Sounds like the Pinoy Idol’s ethos, does it not?
Penn made three lightweight title defenses before losing to Edgar.
He is also one of only two fighters, Couture being the other, to win UFC crowns in two divisions, lightweight and welterweight.
Wait, it gets better
Penn once fought at heavyweight against Lyoto Machida.
Hey, let’s not give Manny any crazy ideas.
