Manny Pacquiao will have a new sparring partner in the person of Australian lightweight George Kambosos Jr. in preparation for his fight against World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse on July 15 at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
?He (Kambosos Jr.) is among the sparring partners. He will join the two or three Filipinos, whatever. A couple of bangers and good fast boxers, we will mix it up,? strength and conditioning trainer Justin Fortune, told The Times at the Elorde gym in Pasay City.
Kambosos, a No. 5 WBA lightweight fighter, is due to arrive today, as Pacquiao?s sparring session is set to begin on Monday in General Santos City.
Fortune added that Kambosos could mimic the moves of Matthysse since he is also right-handed and loves to attack his opponent and counter.
?He?s a good sparring partner because he?s fast and he throws a lot of right hand and a lot of right hooks that?s what Manny needs to look at, his speed. He keeps Manny thinks the most, and he keeps Manny on his toes because he is fast,? he added.
Fortune explained that Pacquiao doesn?t need a super 145 or 150 pounder sparring partner.
?Wear and tear in sparring we don?t need. We just have to bring his targeting and head moving, make him think and that?s it. We don?t need to go to war in sparring.?
Kambosos, 24, was also among Pacquiao?s sparring partners prior to his fight with Australian Jeff Horn last year. He has an unbeaten record of 14 wins with eight knockouts. Kambosos won via technical knockout against Jose Forero of Panama last May 5 in the US and Thai Krai Setthaphon last October 13 in Australia.
