BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — Freddie Roach says that he likes to conduct Manny Pacquiao?s sparring sessions in private, not because he?s trying to hide anything in particular from the always-prying eyes of the press, but because Pacquiao tends to showboat when people are watching.
?I want him to concentrate on the task at hand,? Roach said just before Pacquiao?s second sparring session of camp on Saturday.
But just as about a dozen members of the press and a few other hangers on were about to get the proverbial boot from the Shape Up Gym, somebody on Team Pacquiao decided that everyone could stay and watch Pacquiao face sparring partner Michael Medina for their four-round session.
?Stand back here and no pictures or videos please,? said Pacquiao?s chief personal adviser and assistant, Michael Koncz, while pointing to a spot about 10 feet from ringside. Moments later, with the small crowd on hand hushed and glued to the ring, the gym bell rang, and Pacquiao and Medina, both clad in protective headgear and groin protectors, began to get it on.
Mimicking the style of Pacquiao?s upcoming opponent, Antonio Margarito, Medina plodded forward and immediately started attacking the much smaller Filipino, who came up to Medina?s chin. The two engaged in some spirited exchanges. At times Pacquiao stood and fought back, and other times he landed blinding combinations then spun and moved away. The action got extremely fierce in the s
