LOS ANGELES, California — There’s been change of strategy in the camp of Manny Pacquiao. Trainer Freddie Roach had initially thought about telling Pacquiao not to rush things when the bell sounds signaling the start of his scheduled 12-round super-featherweight scuffle against Hector Velazquez Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) at the Staples Center.
Moments after the official weigh-in on Friday afternoon, Roach revealed that Pacquiao might be ordered to pull the trigger as often as possible as early as the first round.
As to why there’s been a drastic change in plans could not be determined although it can be speculated that Team Pacquiao no longer wants to take the risk of getting a few rounds in preparation for a Jan. 21, 2006 rematch with Erik Morales.
Roach’s sentiments on the eve of the fight now points to a quick disposal of the highly-durable Tijuana native.
This was shared by another member of the entourage, who expressed confidence that “once Manny hits him, there’s no doubt in my mind that Velazquez will either go down or wobble,” said Lito Mondejar.
“We cannot afford to take risks. What if Manny slows down going into the later rounds? If Manny can take him out early, then so be it,” added Mondejar.
Pacquiao, 26, has been installed the heavy favorite going into his seventh fight on American soil dating back to June 2001.
Armed with a sterling 39-3-2 win-loss-draw card with 30 knockouts, Pacquiao is actually looking forward to a rematch with Morales that guarantees a paycheck of $1.750 million.
During the official weigh-in at the Star Plaza entry of the Staples Center, Pacquiao, without a shirt on, flexed his muscles after tipping the scales of 130 lbs. Velazquez took off his shirt as well and struck a pose to the delight of the fans many of whom Filipinos.
Velazquez, 30, was all smiles after weighing in also at 130.
Resting in his apartment at the Palazzo, Pacquiao said he is supremely confident of taking out Velazquez in style as the entire nation awaits the outcome of his return fight following a heartbreaking loss to Morales last March in Las Vegas.
“Alam kong sumusubaybay ang buong bayan sa aking laban kaya ibubuhos kong lahat para sa ating mga kababayan,” said Pacquiao, who will find at the premium seats members of the First Family led by First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and daughter Luli.
Velazquez remains unfazed by the prospects of locking horns with the heavy-hitting lefty.
“I am ready for whatever he will bring to the ring. This is going to be a good fight and like Pacquiao, the Mexican nation is behind me,” said Velazquez, who holds a 42-10-2 slate with 31 knockouts.
Even his handlers are not awed by Pacquiao’s glowing credentials.
“Velazquez is strong and tough. He’s never been hurt real bad as far as I can remember,” said Ricardo Torres, who will call the shots from Velazquez’s corner.
In the event Pacquiao emerges victorious, two victory parties are going to be staged, one of which said to be backed by the First Gentleman, and the other by the pop artists The Black Eyed Peas.
