BARELY nine days into training camp, Sarangani Representative Manny Pacquiao is fast becoming deadlier as he prepares for his May 7 bout against Sugar Shane Mosley to defend his World Boxing Organization welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Although Pacquiao was a little bit sluggish during his first two training camps in Baguio City, the eight weight division champion seems to be on track and even impressed his American promoter Bob Arum, who also rolled into town to witness the work out.
And this time, the reigning pound-for-pound king is developing a new tool, which will add up to his powerful left for the southpaw fighter.
“Matagal naming dinivelop yung right hand at masaya naman ako na makaka tulong na sa kaliwa,” said Pacquiao after his afternoon workout Tuesday.
“Gumaganda na yung kondisyon at tamang tama lang para sa aming sparring next week kasi nakapag acclimatize na ako,” he added.
Arum, who went straight to Pacquiao’s training camp, was also impressed with the way the reigning welterweight king’s training the past few days.
“With one week of training, I can’t believe what I’m watching, probably he can fight next week,” said Arum of his 32-year-old boxing superstar.
“He looks terrific. He looks very, very good,” said Arum. The boxing promoter also said he’s quite impressed with how the 32-year-old Pacquiao, a feared southpaw with tremendous KO power, is fast developing a new weapon – his right hand.
But Arum is not looking past Mosley, whom despite his age, will still be a tough foe for Pacquiao.
“Mosley will be a tough one for Manny although age will be a factor because he’d be trying to catch Manny,” added the 79-year-old Hall of Fame promoter.
Mosley, the former light middle weight and welterweight champion is also in the thick of training in Big Bear, California.
“It will be an interesting fight because both fighters are well known sluggers,” added Arum.
Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on March 24, 2011.
