INSTEAD of heading straight to his California training camp, Manny Pacquiao leaves for Manila today reportedly to shoot a television commercial.
“I don’t know what’s going on,” groaned Team Pacquiao member Moy Lainez.
Pacquiao, 26, has remained a puzzle to people concerned over his next fight.
In fact, even Juan Manuel Marquez, his next opponent, has said he did not believe Pacquiao was not yet training for their Feb. 26 rematch.
Marquez, who started serious preparations in November, suspected that Pacquiao’s reported carefree schedule could all be a ploy.
Marquez, however, suggested the RP boxing superstar must be at peak form as he (Marquez) would come out raring to rumble for 12 furious rounds in their next duel.
The WBA/IBF featherweight king indicated that he is already “working toward a condition which will give me the capability to fight at full capacity for the whole 12 rounds throwing meaningful punches from the very start to finish.”
This was contained in an interview with Marquez conducted by Boxingscene’s James Blears, who traveled to Mexico City’s Gilberto Roman Gym to personally get a first-hand account of the Mexican champ’s training for his upcoming showdown with Pacquiao.
“This time I’m going to be faster, stronger and more focused,” Marquez said. “At this moment I’m engrossed in gym work and physical strength routines. I’m going to start sparring in the first days of January. I’m absolutely determined to leave nothing to chance in my buildup. In particular, I’m concentrating on more speed and honing my reflexes.”
The Mexican also credited Pacquiao, describing the Filipino champ as “obviously a very handy two-handed fighter, but his left is more potent. So we’re concentrating more on that side. Our strategy is for Manny not to connect cleanly with his left.”
Broadcaster Ronnie Nathanielz, a trusted Team Pacquiao insider, would try to see the boxer today to check on the Filipino sensation and find out the real score.
“What a clear message for Pacquiao,” said premier Jazz artist Richard Merk.
“I agree 200 percent with the Inquirer,” he added over suggestions that Pacquiao would again be cramming in preparing for his next fight.
Restaurateur Peter Lee of Hong Kong Tea House said he is thinking of withdrawing a bet he placed on Pacquiao at reports on the boxer’s tardiness.
Pacquiao is scheduled to leave for the Wild Card Boxing Gym to link up with trainer Freddie Roach for the Marquez rematch.
