Mexican lightweight prospect Raymundo “Sugar” Beltran said he doesn’t think Marco Antonio Barrera can knock out Manny Pacquiao and that he believes that his compatriot will carry an intelligent fight against the Filipino ring icon in their highly anticipated rematch on Oct. 6 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
“Barrera can’t knock out Pacquiao. That’s what I think,” said Beltran, one of the three Mexicans commissioned by American trainer Freddie Roach as Pacquiao’s sparring partners, moments after arriving at the state-of-the-art Rex “ Wakee” Salud Gym.
“I think Barrera will fight an intelligent fight. I don’t think he’s gonna go forward and look for Manny. He’s going to box and try to win by decision,” added Beltran when asked on his thoughts on Pacquiao-Barrera II.
Beltran, who presently resides in Phoenix, Arizona, describes himself as a technical, stylish fighter who has quick movements and fists packed with devastating power.
“I’m a technical, stylish fighter. My style is similar to Barrera. We’re going to help Manny fight smarter and more tactical that’s why I’m gonna train with him,” said the 26-year-old power-hitter.
Beltran, who had been Pacquiao’s sparmate in his first bout against Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez said he doesn’t hesitate to come here because Team Pacquiao treated him so well.
“I accepted the offer to be Manny’s sparring partner because I need money to help my family. When they told me to come over, I don’t have any second thoughts. Not because of money but because ever since, Pacquiao treated me as part of team and not just a sparring partner. They’ve been nice, they’ve been really good to me. It’s great,” said Beltran.
Beltran, who is set to spar with Pacman on Friday, is confident Pacquiao would be able to tame Barrera anew and assert his lofty status as the most exciting and one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world today.
“Manny will surely win. Whether it’s going to be knockout or decision, it depends,” said Beltran, who compiled an impressive 20-3 win-loss record spiked with 12 KOs since turning pro in 1999.
He lost only once in his last 17 fights, winning his four previous bouts by stoppage within two rounds.
“He’s (Beltran) a little bit bigger. He has quick hands also and moves well. He’s gonna be a big help to Manny,” said Roach.
Yesterday, Pacquiao was business as usual and looked very sharp in his second sparring session against another Mexican toughie David Rodela. Pacman trade hard punches with Rodela for four rounds before punching mitts with Roach.
Roach said Pacquiao will spar with Beltran and Rodela for two weeks. After that, he will bring in his fighter Roger “ Speedy” Gonzalez to further sharpen Pacquiao’s skills. Gonzalez holds a 29-1 record with 18 wins via knockout. He suffered his first and only loss at the hands of Jhonny Gonzalez by sixth round TKO on March 25, 2004 at the Olympic Auditorium in LA.
