ASIDE FROM the distractions from his autograph-seeking fans and a pack of hangers-on, the other reason why Manny Pacquiao lost to Erik Morales was his inability to keep up with the fighting style of his crafty Mexican foe.
He admitted yesterday that his lack of lateral movement did him in. “Marami ang nagsabi sa akin na puro kaliwa lang ang aking ginamit at kulang ako sa lateral movements. Na-realize ko na rin ito,” Pacquiao said.
While it was observed that Pacquiao?s style hardly changed despite being exposed as a one-hit wonder by Juan Manuel Marquez last year, he is also expected to make drastic changes in his training for his much-awaited return.
Pacquiao and Freddie Roach have agreed that they will have to train in seclusion either at Big Bear in the mountains of southern California or in Phoenix, Arizona, to avoid the same distractions that led to his heart-rending defeat the last time.
When Pacquiao leaves for the States on Tuesday, he won?t be reporting back to the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood in preparation for his comeback sometime in July.
“Meron lamang akong aasikasuhin pero babalik ako agad,” added Pacquiao, who was handed a unanimous 12-round decision defeat by Morales at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on March 19. “Mga one week lang siguro ako mag?stay doon.”
It is widely believed that Pacquiao will meet with his American lawyers Keith Davidson and Nick Khan as well as manager Shelly Finkel to discuss their future plans.
