LOS ANGELES — The mood over at Manny Pacquiao’s training camp in Hollywood is upbeat with Wild Card big boss Freddie Roach and his battery of assistants expressing confidence that Mexican Oscar Larios virtually stands no chance on July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines.
“Larios is in big trouble,” yelled former heavyweight campaigner Macka Foley, his distinct New England accent ringing clear across the celebrated sweat shop on trendy Vine St. as Pacquiao’s punches produced a thudding sound against the mitts of Roach.
While you could tell that Roach is delighted over the turn of events the past few days whenever Pacquiao is in the house, the former featherweight slugger from Boston who is now recognized as one of the fight game’s foremost trainers, still expressed concern over what the long-armed Larios would bring on fight night.
“I believe that Larios thinks we are taking him lightly and I guess he plans to box us in the first few rounds (thinking that Pacquiao would get tired),” said Roach.
“We are not taking him lightly but Manny will knock him out,” said Roach shortly after teaching a new technique aimed at cutting off the ring so Larios, the heavy underdog but a very capable foe, could not fire away from long range.
Roach said Larios is a “fitness freak” and he expects the Guadalajara native to come in the best shape of his career.
Pacquiao did agree that Larios will come in armed to the teeth when he defends his nation’s pride and honor at the historic Big Dome.
“Ma-resistensya si Larios,” blurted Pacquiao while he was watching a re-run of Larios’ sensational 12th round knockout win over Wild Card stablemate Israel Vazquez on ESPN Classic Fights inside his two-level Villas Park La Brea unit.
Some members of Team Pacquiao were a bit concerned when the GenSan southpaw complained of a sharp sensation on his left leg on Tuesday during a sparring with two Russians.
It was revealed that Pacquiao felt a bit uncomfortable beginning last week when training assistant Buboy Fernandez flew to New York to attend to Bobby Pacquiao, who won against Kevin Kelley.
“Now that Buboy is back, I feel okay,” said Pacquiao, his eyes fixed on the NBA Finals. “Siya kasi ang nagmamasahe ng binti ko at noong nawala siya ng isang lingo, medyo sumakit. Kulang lang pala sa masahe.”
Pacquiao is taking a Philippine Airlines flight out of LAX on Sunday night with a bloated entourage led by manager Shelly Finkel and lawyer Nicholas Khan, Fernandez, bantam Gerry Pe?alosa and a bevy of other friends. Pacquiao is expected to touch down in Manila early Tuesday morning.
