The voice at the other end of the line sounded frustrated and sad.
It was Manny Pacquiao in Bacolod who answered the call: “Bahala na ug tawgon ko nilang talawan, basta dili ko gusto makigsumbagay ni Louie” (“I don’t care if they call me a coward, but I don’t want to trade blows with Louie”).
This was the firm, perhaps, final decision of Pacquiao after calls from different parties pleaded that he take in former world featherweight champion Luisito Espinosa as spar mate when he starts training for his rematch with Erik Morales in January in the States.
Hermie Rivera, erstwhile manager of Espinosa, wanted some of his friends to relay the offer to the Pacman more than a week ago. Rivera has been helping the former champ maintain his Green Card status in the US. At the same time, he is also trying to find a job for the champion that would use his skills and experience.
Pacquiao was not receptive to the idea. He said Espinosa had taken enough punishment in the ring over the years and, at 38, should not be in the ring but outside of it in some other capacity.
There were press reports yesterday, however, that said Pacquiao had changed his mind and that he was willing to have Espinosa as sparmate.
Another call was made to Pacquiao for clarification and the answer was “No.”
“Malo-oy lagi ko (I really feel for the guy),” he said Wednesday evening. He said he might have been misinterpreted when he said he knew Louie could also help him in training. He said he wouldn’t want to be held responsible for hurting a respected brother in the profession.
“Accidents happen,” he said when told that sparmates wear protective gear to avoid serious injury.
According to people close to Pacquiao, the boxer is so focused in training that he is sometimes not aware of how his punches are delivered. They claim that a number of sparmates have quit the training sessions because Pacquiao is not one who holds his punches.
Rex “Wakee” Salud, Pacquiao’s friend and associate, said that Manny has already earmarked R100,000 to help the ex-champ.
“Manny is more than willing to help Louie. He is considering taking him in as one of the members of his training team as consultant and/or work-out partner, because he knows Louie can help. Of course, he has to consult Freddie Roach on this first, but in the meantime, he hopes people would stop pressuring him to hire Louie as a spar mate. He’s just not comfortable with the idea!” said Salud.
