Not even the pungent flu virus could derail Manny Pacquiao?s training for his anticipated March 15 showdown with Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas.
The 29-year-old boxer, who?s now in Los Angeles entering his third week of rigid training, fell sick the other day, but got up just the same for his daily regimen.
In fact, Pacquiao held his first day of sparring at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. He said he did four rounds, and will gradually increase the number in the coming days.
?I got hit by the virus. I?m coughing but still I went through with my training ? rain or shine,? Pacquiao reported through his column that was posted at philboxing.com.
?I try to make it to training even with the cough. This fight is important to me and our country and my family. I want to settle things after my draw with Marquez in 2004,? he said.
Falling sick is nothing new for Pacquiao when he?s in training.
For his third and decisive match with Erik Morales in November of 2006, Pacquiao was under the weather when he entered the ring, but he wasted no time stopping Morales in three rounds.
And while preparing for his fight against Barrera last October, Pacquiao also went down with the flu. But, once again, he literally rose to the occasion, winning via a unanimous decision.
Pacquiao said his wife Jinkee is taking care of him 24 hours a day, and with the help of Dr. Allan Recto, who flew in from Texas just to take a look at the boxer, he has gotten better.
?Doc Allan flew in from Texas the moment he was called. He left his clinic there just to be with me, and prescribe me the medicines. He is one true friend,? he said.
Pacquiao said falling sick happens even to the best athletes.
?Yes, Manny Pacquiao is only human. I also get sick. But what?s truly important is for one not to lose hope,? he added as he looked forward to more sparring sessions that are held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
