NOT unless last- minute changes take place, Manny Pacquiao and his entire team go to Baguio on Sunday to start training for his May 7 World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title fight against Sugar Shane Mosley in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Four-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach disclosed the possible timetable of the Filipino boxing superstar for the Mosley bout shortly upon arriving in the country early Tuesday morning from Los Angeles.
Incidentally, almost arriving simultaneously with Roach here in the country was reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) super-bantamweight champion Ana Julaton. The 30-year-old Filipina-American successfully defended her 122-lbs. belt last Feb. 25 against American Franchesca Alcanter.
Roach, who recently celebrated his 51stst birthday, came over with Pacquiao strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, World Boxing Association (WBA) light-welterweight champion Amir Khan, along with the new conditioning coach of the young British title holder.
Conspicuously missing was supposed Pacquiao sparmates Shawn Porter and David Rodela, who were earlier reported to be planing in together with Roach.
But nothing to worry about, as Roach said the two regular sparmates of the Pacman will follow suit by next week as sparring session won?t start until the last two weeks of the month.
Roach and Pacquiao start sweating out by Thursday afternoon in a gym somewhere in Metro Manila, which the renowned boxing trainer refused to identify in order to lessen the distraction as the boxer- turned- congressman kicks off his pre-conditioning program.
The two will also have some get- together on Wednesday night to discuss the possible game plan against the 39-year-old, yet still dangerous challenger from Pomona, California.
Pacquiao admitted he?s not taking any chances against Mosley, and divulged he already began running early in the morning and working on the mitts in the afternoon with the assistance of long-time trainer Buboy Fernandez.
He also plays basketball on his spare time from Congress.
