ALREADY late for training, Filipino ring warrior Manny Pacquiao finally leaves for the US Monday to embark in another rigorous work out as he prepares for his July 2 super featherweight clash with dangerous Mexican Oscar Larios.
The 27-year-old Pacquiao decided to delay his trip anew to be with his mother Dionesia on Mother’s Day in General Santos City, but should be onboard PAL flight 102 for Los Angeles at 10 p.m. Sunday.
It is also the birthday of Nanay Dionesia on Monday who will be turning 56.
Pacquiao on Saturday took his usual 7.5-km. morning jog at the General Santos City oval plaza in the heart of old Dadiangas, shaking hands or simply waving before an ever-growing crowd of neighbors on the eve of Mother’s Day celebration Sunday.
Prior to his departure, Pacquiao was expected to meet his well-wishers at the lobby of Discovery Suites in Ortigas, Pasig, official residence of both his party and that of Larios.
“I am very happy to see my son train and jog daily, because he gets to be seen by his town-folks who love him dearly,” Dionesia said of her son.
The entire Pacquiao household, mom Dionisia, Isidra, a housewife and the eldest of the siblings; Bobby, a boxer; and Rogel, president of Manny Pacquiao Promotions, which will promote the coming Pacquiao versus Larios on Sunday, July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum, is wishing him well.
“My only wish is a siimple prayer, that Manny come home safe and victorious on his next bout,” Dionesia said. “He’s been a very dutiful son and I am very proud of him.”
Pacquiao was born in Bukidnon in Central Mindanao before the family moved to General Santos where he now lives in a well-furnished home in Barangay Labangal with his wife Jinkee and sons Emmanuel Jr. and Michael.
Pacquiao’s entourage to the United States is still unknown.
The Filipino icon is the reigning WBC international super featherweight king, former Ring’s People’s champion, former IBF super bantam champion, former WBC flyweight champion. He has a record of 41 wins, three losses and two draws with 34 victories by way of knockout.
Pacquiao will train at the Wild Card Gym of famed trainer Freddie Roach in Hollywood, California for at least a month before coming back to the Philippines for the final phase of his preparations.
The Filipino fighter initially wanted to train in the country, but Roach totally rejected the idea, saying Pacquiao has too many distractions if he trains in the Philippines.
Roach was expecting Pacquiao to hit California as early as last May 4 but his boxer decided to delay his stay here to honor several commitments, a development that left Roach and some Filipino boxing patrons worried.
The July 2 showdown with Larios will be at the Araneta Coliseum.
