A DAY after going 12 rounds against four sparring partners, Manny Pacquiao was on the phone yesterday afternoon (Sunday night in Los Angeles) updating the Bulletin on his itinerary in the next three weeks culminating to his March 19 Las Vegas duel with Erik Morales.
“Grabe talaga! Para akong lumaban,” said Pacquiao just before hitting the sack. “Ang matindi kasi ay ang umaakyat para umispar ay mga fresh na fresh pa kaya?t todo talaga ang ipapakita mo sa ring. Hindi ka puwedeng magrelax kasi siguradong bugbog ang aabutin mo oras na magpa-easy easy ka.”
“Itong week na ito ay matindi pa rin ang mga sparring ko dahil sa nakaschedule ako ng 8 to 10 rounds dahil pagdating sa Las Vegas ay medyo light na,” said Pacquiao, who claimed that he has already sparred at least 100 rounds.
Team Pacquiao is slated to head to Las Vegas on March 14 by land. The 300-mile trip will take four hours.
Pacquiao had the opportunity to take a much-needed rest on Sunday and he took the time out to have his two-bedroom apartment on the corner of Vine St. and Sunset Boulevard blessed by an Italian priest from the nearby Christ The King.
Despite the intensity Pacquiao has shown in sparring at the Wild Card Boxing Club owned and operated by his chief trainer Freddie Roach, the 26-year-old southpaw believes he is right on track.
“Tama lang ang ensayo ko at excited na akong lumaban,” said Pacquiao, whose every move at the MGM Grand will be cheered by his handlers and promoters, battery of trainers and supporters living in the States as well as those flying in from Manila.
“Maraming magpupuntahan sa laban ko at magpapakita ng suporta. Ipinapangako ko na hindi ko sila hihiyain,” added Pacquiao, who has been installed a slight favorite.
Long-time supporters of Pacquiao heading for the States include Ramon Lainez, Lito Mondejar and Gerry Garcia. The fighter?s wife, Jinkee, is joining this group.
Sen. Lito Lapid, Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson, Davao mayor Rodrigo Duterte, North Cotabato Gov. Manny Pinol, General Santos City mayor Pedro Acharon and topnotch lawyer Siegfrid Fortun are attending the fights.
