At a Friday press conference in Studio 10 of local TV network ABS-CBN in Quezon City, Philippines, Manny Pacquiao was warned that his July 2 opponent, Oscar Larios, was not ‘marking time’ assignment that the Pac-Man could practice some moves on and thrill his native Filipino followers.
In front of the nation’s media, Rafael Mendoza, manager of former super-bantamweight king Larios, declared his charge was better than Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera, the two big names on Pac-Man’s hit list.
“I’ll give you a simple answer why Oscar will win July 2,” Mendoza said. “Because Larios is better than Morales and better Barrera. There is always a guy who will beat you one night. There will always be a guy who has the style to beat you. Larios has the style, has the stamina, the guts, the heart to put pressure on Pacquiao. Pressure that Morales and Barrera did not put on him.”
However, when Pac-Man’s trainer Freddie Roach was asked whether Larios was in Barrera or Morales’ league he had a short answer.
“No,” answered Roach. “But I’m looking forward to a great fight. Larios is really a tough opponent and Pacquiao is the most exciting fighter today. We are going to be in great shape for this fight.” Pac-Man wanted to remain in the Philippines to train for what will be the biggest sporting even in that country in years. However, Roach said he will insist the power-punching icon train in his Wild Card gym in LA.
