CELEBRATED boxing trainer Freddie Roach and prized pound-for-pound boxer Manny Pacquiao formally started their grind, as the reigning WBO welterweight champion gears up for November 12 in MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Shortly after his arrival, Roach drove six hours to Baguio City and met Pacquiao to start their three-week training before he squares off against Mexican pugilist Juan Manuel Marquez.
Baguio City has become a consistent part of the eight weight class champion?s training because of the cool weather and the high altitude leading to his superb body conditioning, and has been a favorite of Pacquiao since he fought Miguel Cotto.
Venezuelan lightweight fighter Jorge Linares will be Pacquiao?s primary training partner for the remainder of the Baguio training.
Linares is also preparing and doing his own training for his fight against southpaw Antonio DeMarco of Mexico this coming October 15 in Los Angeles for that vacant WBC lightweight division.
Roach was quoted as saying Linares? right-hand style will be perfect for the initial phase of sparring.
Marquez is also a righty like Linares, and Roach said the once-beaten South American will be of great help even for a limited time.
Pacquiao is considered an 8-1 favorite to repulse Marquez, who battled the Filipino to an all-action 12-round draw the first time they met in May 2004, and lost a hairline split decision in the rematch in March 2008.
The third fight will be at a catch weight of 145 pounds with Pacquiao?s World Boxing Organization welterweight crown on the line.
