LOS ANGELES ? By the time it gets dark Monday, Manny Pacquiao would have completed a 300-mile journey from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, the site of his Oct. 6 showdown with Marco Antonio Barrera.
Pacquiao wraps up his sparring at the Wild Card Gym at noon, and after a very brief rest will board his gray Lincoln Navigator for the four-hour drive. A few other vehicles will tail Pacquiao?s late-model SUV.
Pacquiao said he can?t wait to see Vegas, which has been kind to the 28-year-old boxer. In five fights, including three against Erik Morales, he?s had three wins, a loss and a draw, a controversial one.
?I?m ready. I?ve packed up my things,? said Pacquiao.
Pacquiao will start the day with a brief run at the Griffith Park then will spar three more rounds against David Rodela to bring their total to 131 rounds. It will be the last time he will spar in his preparation for the rematch.
Barrera?s whereabouts remain uncertain. Some said he was scheduled to fly from Guadalajara to LA last Saturday, while others said he was to proceed to Vegas Sunday or a day ahead of Pacquiao.
Pacquiao will be joined in the Navigator by trainer Buboy Fernandez, the driver and a bodyguard. His chief trainer, Freddie Roach, is planning to drive his own car to Vegas, but a little ahead of the convoy.
Pacquiao?s wife Jinkee is flying in Monday evening from Manila, and from the airport will board a van that will take her and some family members and friends straight to the Mandalay Bay in Vegas.
