HOLLYWOOD–Notes from the Wild Card Gym as the calm before the storm continues for Manny Pacquiao… Pacman will do a lengthy interview with Larry King replacement Piers Morgan Friday afternoon for airing on cable network CNN. I am told the air date is Friday, Nov. 11, the night before Pacman engages in his third and presumably final joust with Mexican Ringmaster Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas… My lips have been forcibly sealed but I hear that Pacquiao is on the verge of another major product endorsement. This one will surprise one and all, especially Floyd Mayweather Jr. and many of his fans… Pacman trainer Freddie Roach informs me that his laugh a minute brother, colorful ex-boxer Pepper Roach, is making steady progress in his long, arduous recovery from a recent stroke. Freddie says Pepper is in a rehab facility in Bakersfield. When it comes to one liners and anecdotes about his life and times in and out of the ring, Pepper could give Don Rickles some comedic competition… Coach Freddie had no worries about Pacquiao promoting his own Manny Pacquiao Promotions show Thursday night, about 73 miles east of the gym at the San Manuel Casino in Highland. Pacquiao went there, took care of his business and then shot back to his LA home. Pacquiao had a limo provided by the hotel-casino which took him to and fro for his own card. Credit Scott Woodworth and Sean Gibbons, working with Pacquiao chief adviser Michael Koncz, for staging what turned out to be an outstanding club show, the highlight being the ultra competitive main event between somewhat faded Pinoy Bernabe Concepcion and hungry San Diegan Aaron Garcia. Concepcion took a split verdict but I thought body punching Garcia edged it by two, maybe three points. For a 23 year old, Concepcion shows a lot of wear and tear but he will still beat most foes….Trainer Vince Parra, who directs the burgeoning career of unbeaten Pinoy Mercito Gesta, had Garcia in dog shape for this one and, despite the controversial loss, Garcia has established himself as a TV friendly opponent for virtually anyone… Pacquiao got to San Manuel on time, a rarity in his busy life, and spoke briefly to the audience from center ring to thank them for turning out and to hype the Marquez Chapter III event…
