Philippines, 13 Jul 2025
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


Pacquiao Sparring Partner Pays for Cockiness, Goes Home Bloodied and Aching


PhilBoxing.com




LOS ANGELES--Hastings Bwalya had all the great credentials and hype as he was highly recommended by cutman Miguel Diaz to back up sparring chores for Manny Pacquiao.

The African had an unbeaten slate--seven wins and five knockouts to his credit--and a big mouth to back it up. He taunted Pacquiao to start off their getting-to-know-you introduction right on opening bell. He chuckled and egged on Pacquiao to mix it up.

Reputedly a tough sparring partner to Floyd Mayweather in his last training camp against Sugar Shane Mosley, Bwalya talked his way to get the goat of Pacquiao, who greatly obliged. Showing impeccable footwork and a blinding hand speed, Pacquiao showed Bwalya a thing or two about humility and compassion, instead of exchanging in a heated war of words.

In the second round, Pacquiao showed the former Zambia Olympian accurate punching and power combinations as he cornered his opponent with crisp body blows and a devastating uppercut that eventually bloodied his opponent's nose and mouth.

"Are you ok?" asked Pacquiao, as he relented on finishing off his cocky sparring partner with more punishing blows. After being trapped helplessly in the ropes, Bwalya was sent to his corner so that he could wipe off his messed up face and finished the round. Blood and vaseline was flowing out of Bwalya's nose as Pacquiao let him survive the round.

Pacquiao is in the middle of his preparations for a third fight against his nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has vowed to end all doubt about the outcome of his last two previous encounters as both came close and controversial. The first fight ended in a draw while the second was a split decision.

It was also three years ago when Pacquiao last fought in the lower weight classes of super featherweight before invading the ranks of lightweights, light welterweights, welterweights and light middleweight to become the only man who has won titles in eight weight divisions.

Pacquiao then sparred for another four rounds with regular sparring partner Ray Beltran, who made a good account of himself. Beltran gave Pacquiao a workout minus the thrash-talking, as both boxers showed respect for each other.

Bwalya returned back to action for rounds seven and eight. Still boisterous and boastful and not one who learns his lesson easily, Bwalya chuckled and taunted, even as Pacquiao smiled. In another burst of speed and agility, the Fighting Congressman from Sarangani just wove his magic, hit his hapless opponent at will and moved in and out of counter-punches that landed a mile away.

Roach and assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez were equally impressed with Pacquiao's improvements as they have not seen Pacquiao as focused as in previous training camps. Asked if Bwalya would be sent back packing home on Saturday, Roach said he'll give the African another chance to prove himself.

"One more day," said Roach, who has been Pacquiao's trainer for over a decade now, starting in 2001 when Pacquiao first teamed up with him and faced a seemingly unbeatable Lehlo Ledwaba of South Africa.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum was equally impressed with the show of firepower from Pacquiao. Also watching the action was world champion Amir Khan and Juan Manuel Lopez along with several select media personalities and TV crews from HBO's 24/7 series.

"Masaya ako dahil maganda ang ikinikilos ni brad kaya sana, tuluy-tuloy na itong magandang simula," said Fernandez.


Photo: Pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao (R) throws a left to African Hastings Bwalya during sparring Thursday at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles. The cocky Bwalya went home bloodied and aching.



Photos by Ping Nepomuceno.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Winchell Campos.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • Hamzah Sheeraz Demolishes Edgar Berlanga in Stunner, Becomes Mandatory Challenger to Canelo Alvarez
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • Shakur Stevenson Masterfully Tames William Zepeda to Retain WBC Lightweight Crown
    By Dong Secuya, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • JV Tuazon, Ador Torres, Lemuel De Barbo, Jomar Fajardo Score KO Wins in Brico Santig's Highland Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • Yanon is PBF flyweight champ
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Sun, 13 Jul 2025
  • Taylor vs. Serrano Trilogy: Can Amanda Get The Nod?
    By Chris Carlson, , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • BERLANGA-SHEERAZ, STEVENSON-CEPEDA, MORELL-KHATAEV MAKE WEIGHT IN NEW YORK
    By Dong Secuya, , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • Johnny Spell Takes on Chancellor Batttenberg on Saturday, July 19th at the Hollywood Casino at the Meadows in Washington, PA
    , Sat, 12 Jul 2025
  • JV Tuazon, Ador Torres, Lemuel De Barbo, Jomar Fajardo Make Weight for Brico Santig's Highland Show in Thailand
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Philippine Under-12 Girls Team Shines Bright, Clinches Multiple Medals at 23rd ASEAN+ Age Group Chess Championships in Penang
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Kenneth “Llover Boy” Takes on “El Nica” Concepcion Aug 17 on Gerry Peñalosa’s Show @ the Winford Resort and Casino Manila (Analysis)
    By Carlos Costa, , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Undefeated junior middleweight prospect Anthony Velazquez won’t be Boxing’s best kept secret in 2026
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Undefeated Gabriela Tellez Returns July 18 at “Night of Champions” Live on DAZN
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Dushanbe hosts stacked fight card with Bakhodur Usmonov and Christopher Mouafo headlining IBA.Pro 8
    , Fri, 11 Jul 2025
  • Shakur vs Zepeda & Morrell vs Khataev Fight Analysis
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Peñalosa To Test "Lover Boy" Llover Versus Accomplished Panamanian Veteran Concepcion
    By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • USA Boxing Youth High Performance Team Begins Brandenburg Cup Prep Camp
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Dream Fight: “Bam” Rodriguez vs “Puma” Martinez on the Horizon
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Perez vs Vivas Headlines All Star Boxing's Prueba de Fuego Card on July 25
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Christy Martin Promotions & Ringside Ticket Inc. Present ‘Lopez Vs. Vargas’ Welterweight Battle
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • Vegas Fight Experience Where Authentic Sparring Meets Cinematic Vegas Energy
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • 4 Division World Champion & Hall of Famer Erik Morales Confirmed for Eighth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Mexican Independence Day Weekend, Saturday September 13, in Las Vegas
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • SALITA PROMOTIONS SIGNS FORMER WORLD CHAMPION TONY HARRISON
    , Thu, 10 Jul 2025
  • FIGHT EMPIRE! TUAZON, ADOR, DE BARBO, JOMAR, AND MORE ARE READY FOR ACTION IN BRICO SANTIG'S EXCITING SHOW JULY 12 IN THAILAND
    By Carlos Costa, , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • Shakur Stevenson and David Morrell Face "Crossroad Fights" This Saturday in Queens
    By Ralph Rimpell, , Wed, 09 Jul 2025
  • Christy Martin’s “Mayhem in Music City 2” to Feature Undefeated Vic Hernandez Facing Jayvon Garnett for NABA & Jr. NABF Featherweight Championships
    , Wed, 09 Jul 2025




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2025 philboxing.com.