EIGHT weight divisions champion and reigning pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao returned to Baguio City Sunday afternoon after temporarily closing his camp to attend the Elorde Award in Manila Friday night where he was an honoree.
For three days, Pacquiao, including Freddie Roach and Alex Ariza continued their workout in Metro Manila as they build up for the May 7 battle against Sugar Shane Mosley.
Over 50 world, international and Philippine champions were honored during the 11th Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Memorial Boxing Awards-Banquet of Champions at the Grand Ballroom of the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel.
Pacquiao led the honorees as the “Quintessential Athlete” for his achievements in and outside the ring, while 2010 world champions Nonito Donaire, Donnie Nietes and Ana Julaton were feted in the rites held in memory of seven-year junior lightweight champion and Hall of Famer Flash Elorde.
On Thursday afternoon, Pacquiao had 12-rounds of sparring closed to media, and after the workout, the team immediately went down to Manila for the awards night.
But Pacquiao, in an earlier interview, said the training camp will continue and will eventually peak when they return for Monday’s workout.
“Gumaganda yung kondisyon natin pati yung resistensya at ready na tayo for sparring next week,” said Pacquiao earlier.
His sparring mates — unbeaten Shawn Porter who has 17 victories under his belt and new spar mate lightweight David Rodela with 15-3-3 record — arrived March 20.
Team Pacquiao is expected to stay in the Summer Capital for four weeks before moving over to his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood for another four weeks of preparations.
Pacquiao will defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Nevada.
Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on March 29, 2011.
