Since beating the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera back in 2003, Manny Pacquiao has attained huge celebrity status in the boxing world. His PPV fight with Erik Morales on the 19th of March is probably one of the most exciting match-ups in recent times. It has also further propelled the lightning fast Filipino’s journey into mega-stardom.
Amongst the Filipino community in Los Angeles, Pacquiao generates so much attention that for most of the week, Freddy Roach closes the doors of the gym to the general public when he trains.
At a rare open media workout on Tuesday, dozens of reporters and photographers made their way to the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood to witness the ‘Pac Man’ at work. Pacquiao went through a light warm-up and stretching routine before going several rounds with Lightweight prospect Jose Armando Santa Cruz, 18-0 (9).
Santa Cruz was picked to spar with Pacquiao due to his similarities with Morales. He is tall, extremely strong and puts enormous pressure on his opponents. Santa Cruz had apparently given Barrera all he could handle in his preparation last year for his fight with Morales, so much so that he was sent home from camp in Big Bear.
The sparring session was not all out, and it seemed that Pacquiao was intent on working his lateral and defensive movement. Santa Cruz would press the action and force exchanges, while Pacquiao darted in and out, and from side to side.
Close up, it is interesting to see how Pacquiao generates his speed and power. Noticeably, he has enormously muscular calf muscles, which allow him to close the distance in remarkable time. He literally springs in and out of range so fast that it makes countering him virtually impossible. He throws mostly straight punches from the southpaw stance, often in unorthodox combination. Santa Cruz held his own and occasionally got the better of the exchanges, but seemed confused when the Filipino utilised his speed and punch combinations.
“He’s really strong and he has really good speed,” said the up and coming Mexican after the sparring session. “He moves pretty good. And that right hand is pretty good. He’s really dangerous.”
How does Armando see the fight going?
“If Morales gets hit by the left right, he’s going to be in trouble.”
It would seem that those around Pacquiao believe the key to fighting Morales is power. Simply put, Manny has too much of it. When asked whom he thought hit harder, Freddy Roach replied emphatically: “Pacquiao”
What is their strategy for the fight? ‘We are going to set a fast pace’ said Roach, ‘make this guy work hard for every minute of every round. Make him show his age’
Can Manny box with Morales in the later rounds?
“Definitely. That’s what we are planning on doing. Use the side-to-side movement.”
When asked what he thought Morales’ major weakness was, the veteran trainer replied somewhat mischievously: “He likes to exchange. Anyone who wants to punch with Manny, I’m very happy about.”
For many, this fight is what boxing should be about. Two great fighters with enormous heart and explosive power makes for great entertainment. If Morales does decide to exchange, then Roach will not be the only happy one at the MGM Grand next week.
March 9 2005
Ben Cohen can be reached at [email protected]
