Manny Pacquiao prefers bringing to the country a couple of Mexican sparring partners to prepare for the July 2 meeting with Oscar Larios instead of going to America for the first part of his training program.
Pacquiao said he will ask his American handlers to allow him to just hold his training camp in Baguio this week when they arrive for a press conference formally announcing the scheduled 12-round World Boxing Council (WBC) International super-featherweight showdown at the Araneta Coliseum.
“Nothing is final yet,” said Pacquiao. “I still have to raise the issue with them this week.”
But he said he preferred to hold his entire training in Baguio or any place in the country that would have suitable practice facility for his non-title fight.
He did not say why he wanted to stay here instead of flying to Los Angeles to train although some people believe the reason could be the various personal activities he has committed himself to do for the next several weeks.
Pacquiao’s associate Wakee Salud confirmed plans for Pacquiao to scrap the training at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.
“I have been informed about that possibility but we are still awaiting word from his US handlers. They’ll have the final say on this matter,” said Salud.
Pacquiao is booked to fly to Las Vegas on May 5 to be at ringside when Oscar dela Hoya meets Ricardo Mayorga at the MGM Grand. Since it is Dela Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions that is staging the card, it will also take advantage of Pacquiao’s presence by holding a news conference on the July fight meant for the US and international media.
Trainer Freddie Roach plans to see Pacquiao at the Wild Card beginning on May 8. They are expected to fly back together to Manila on June 1 and resume training in Baguio.
But should Pacquiao be permitted to stay, he will make a whirlwind visit to Tokyo to watch world title hopeful Rodel Mayol gun for the WBC minimumweight title of Japan-based Thai Eagle Kyowa at the Korakuen Hall.
Upon the invitation of Mayol’s Japanese chief handler Yasuo Matsuoka, Pacquiao and Salud will head to Narita on May 5.
