START training in the Philippines, then off to the US – but not at Wild Card.
That’s how trainer Freddie Roach plans to stage the training regimen of Manny Pacquiao, who is set to take on tormentor, Mexican great Erik Morales, in January.
“Our plan right now is to train Manny in the Philippines for the first few weeks of his training camp. Manny has a real nice gym there, so we will train there to start out, then I’m pretty sure we will be six weeks in Phoenix, Arizona for the rest of training camp,” Roach told 15 rounds.com recently.
Valley of the Sun
Roach added that Pacquaio’s next stop could very well be the Valley of the Sun.
“There is a possibility we may take a look at a camp in San Bernardino, but right now it looks like Phoenix. We are looking for the good Morales, not the one that fought Raheem. Morales took that guy a little lightly, and he won’t do that against Manny Pacquiao because he doesn’t like Manny, and Manny doesn’t like Erik, it’s simple as that. This is going to be a great rematch, and we are looking for revenge!” Roach said.
Roach also said that Pacquiao will be smarter and better the second time around. But he needs some privacy. Roach has come up with a new game plan and a new training site for Pacquiao’s upcoming duel.
Closed-door
Roach said the new training ground will be a closed-door session without fans, hangers-on, hecklers – and maybe even spies – ogling Pacquiao at work.
“There will be no distractions; he won’t have to worry about getting tickets, rooms, his wife being able to get a ticket, somebody taking all of his money, etc. All he has to worry about is winning the fight,” Roach said.
“I told Manny we are going to have to cancel his birthday coming up (laughing). Birthday’s come once a year, and fights like this only come once in a lifetime. Also, Barrera is talking some about wanting a rematch, so we’re taking a look in that direction as well.”
