LOS ANGELES ? Freddie Roach wants to put the clamps on Manny Pacquiao with exactly a week before the Filipino plunges into action against Shane Mosley in Las Vegas.
Knowing the work ethic of Pacquiao, Roach told his prized pupil “to take a whole day off tomorrow” as the fighter had many times in the past did his roadwork despite being told to take a full day’s rest.
“I told him to take one good day of rest but you never know Manny Pacquiao,” said Roach on Saturday after seeing Pacquiao bang bodies for six rounds with Ray Beltran and Shawn Porter.
Roach said the session with Porter was a must-see as they went toe-to-toe to the delight of the 51-year-old from Boston who is now working with Pacquiao for the tenth year.
“He hit him with really good shots,” recalled Roach of the sizzling sparring session.
And just before it ended, the 32-year-old Pacquiao landed with a heavy shot that “got his attention,” according to Roach of the pounding that Pacquiao’s lead sparring partner absorbed.
“He started up a little loose but then he got into it and the end was great. He really look good in the end with Porter.”
Beltran was all praises for Pacquiao, who he has been sparring with the last six years.
“Manny is a more complete boxer now, technically better in the ring,” said Beltran. “He has become unpredictable and his punches come from all angles.”
Porter also had nothing but kind words for Pacquiao, who he expects to get past Mosley because of his advantage in speed and power in “a very competitive fight.”
Pacquiao is expected to have his last sparring day here on Monday just before his entire team travels to Las Vegas by land later in the afternoon.
“He’ll spar just four rounds,” said Roach.
In Las Vegas, Pacquiao will train only until Wednesday although there is still that possibility that he might even show up for a roadwork on Thursday
