BAGUIO CITY: World seven time boxing champion and congressman Manny Pacquiao told reporters that he is training hard in preparation for his November 13 fights against Mexican-American boxer Antonio Margarito at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Las Vegas.
?I need to be prepared,? said Pacquiao, adding that his opponent is also training hard for the much-awaited fight.
Pacquiao described the presence of dozens of fans as an overwhelming support for him and Team Pacquiao despite the fact that his regular stretching and jogging routines were cancelled because of the thick crowd.
Assistant training coach Buboy Fernandez said that he and chief training coach Freddie Roach are developing tactics on how to beat Margarito. He said the November 13 bout would be an interesting fight because both fighters love to throw a lot of punches.
Pacquiao is expected to begin his sparring regimen with 20-year-old fast rising junior welterweight Glen Tapia (7-0, 5 knockouts) and 24-year-old junior welterweight Michael Medina (24-2-2, 19 knockouts) starting Thursday.
Roach told reporters that Julio Cesar Chavez, which is Pacquiao?s chief sparring mate is not expected to arrive in Manila until next week because of some visa problems.
?Julio has a little bit problems with his visa but I have two good guys who can give Manny good rounds,? Roach said.
Roach said Team Pacquiao would spend three and half weeks in Baguio for high-altitude training before returning to Manila. Harley F. Palangchao
