FREDDIE Roach doesn’t have any intentions of spending a lot of time working the corner of Manny Pacquiao on July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum.
Roach, the Filipino’s American trainer, will advise Pacquiao to “jump on him (Larios) right away and attack this guy early” as the American cornerman predicts the Mexican won’t be able to withstand the fury of the Filipino lefty’s punches.
“I want Manny to go to the body early just like what we did in the (second Erik) Morales fight and you know how effective Manny can be when he goes to the body,” Roach told a handful of scribes yesterday after supervising Pacquiao’s workout at the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines gym.
“It (body punching) works well with tall and thin guys like Larios,” said Roach, who is looking forward to a vastly-improved Pacquiao today in a sparring session with Russian lightweight Rustam Nugaev.
Roach said today’s workout with Nugaev, a rangy and tall technician who trains at the Wild Card, will be for four rounds.
“I expect a very good sparring tomorrow (today),” said Roach.
Roach was pleased that Pacquiao appeared much better yesterday than the guy who showed up for practice on Wednesday.
“Manny’s more alert today and his punching power was very good and his right hook was also coming along and his combination was crisp. He rested well last night and had a good sleep which was good. No more movie premieres and I am really very happy about that. I think the jet lag is all about over and everyone’s starting to sleep normally now,” said Roach, referring to their late-night arrival at the Manila Hotel after attending the premiere of Pacquiao’s film bio.
Pacquiao, meanwhile, was elated that he is starting to get rid of the effects of the 16-hour flight from Los Angeles.
“Medyo nawawala na ang jet lag pero kailangan pa ring maghirap sa ensayo,” said Pacquiao, who ran a total of five miles around the Quirino Grandstand, which is just a stone’s throw away from his official residence, The Manila Hotel.
Pacquiao’s training will taper off beginning Monday and Roach even revealed that they’re going to take a day-off on Sunday.
“We will just have a nice walk and talk about the strategy, final preparations and what we are going to do in the final week,” said Roach.
More than the World Boxing Council International super-featherweight title, Pacquiao’s future will be at stake against Larios.
Pacquiao is priming up for a megabuck rubber match with Morales on Nov. 18.
