Manny Pacquiao was still a bit under the weather when he showed up for training on Thursday afternoon (Friday morning in Manila) at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood but he looked as though nothing?s wrong with him as attested by former world champion and main sparring partner Steve Forbes, conditioning coach Justin Fortune and lead trainer Freddie Roach.
Pacquiao has entered the most crucial stage of his buildup for the April 12 rematch with Timothy Bradley in Las Vegas and the 35-year-old fighting congressman went ten full rounds in sparring, starting off with Forbes, who was amazed by Pacquiao?s lignting-quick reflexes.
Manny Pacquiao
?His foot movement and foot speed were flawless,? said Forbes, said to be the closest guy who can mimic the moves of Bradley.
?He (Pacquiao) was not standing still for a moment and his hands were fast. The only way to land a combination on his was to earn it and that means taking some brutal shots.?
Pacquiao had actually skipped two training days because of colds but Forbes fears their next sparring sessions would even be more savage.
?When he is totally through with his colds, he is going to be a terror.?
Fred Sternburg, the ace publicist assigned to handle all the PR work for Pacquiao, told the Bulletin that Roach was delighted to see Pacquiao resume his training.
?Freddie was very pleased with Manny?s efforts,? said Sternburg.
Even Fortune, the strength coach who was recently rehired by Pacquiao, did his thing by subjecting the Filipino puncher to some strenuous exercises.
?Justin worked Manny?s tail off following sparring,? added Sternburg.
On a lighter note, two celebrities turned up at the gym to watch Pacquiao work out.
