As a fellow boxer and a former world champion, Luisito Espinosa believes that Manny Pacquiao should take an ample break before fighting Juan Manuel Marquez for the fifth time in September.
?It is not that easy to return and say I?m ready. I told him he must be mentally and physically ready. But if not, he can turn down that April tune-up fight. I guess he can. He can just look forward to that September bout against Marquez,? Espinosa, now based in San Francisco, California told The Manila Times via online teleconference.
Espinosa, 45, a former World Boxing Council featherweight champion during the 1990s said he considers Pacquiao a dear friend, ?Every time Pacquiao fights in the US, I?m always there for him even when I got fired from my job. Manny is my friend ever since, even before I retired as boxer. I always watch him whenever he trains in the US.?
Espinosa narrated that Pacquiao told him that he is now ready to fight again in April.
Espinosa believes his compatriot can fight again but it would be better to take a break for a while.
?From a boxer?s point of view, Manny can fight after two months from now. His body condition is better than most boxers,? he said.
?Marquez just caught Manny in the face,? added Espinosa, referring to Pacquiao?s sixth round knockout loss to Marquez in December. ?But you know, Manny remains the better man and I?m pretty sure he can bounce back.?
