After a good workout, Manny Pacquiao looked much better yesterday as he entered the final phase of his training for his July 2 encounter with Mexico’s Oscar Larios.
Pacquiao definitely looked more focused and more impressive than when he sparred for six rounds last Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex gym.
“He was more alert today. He was moving very good and his right hooks were coming along. He rested well last night and he got a good sleep,” said his American trainer Freddie Roach.
Pacquiao arrived early Tuesday morning from a one-month training in Los Angeles. He trained for two hours at noon but stayed up late after attending the premiere of his own film-bio.
“No more premieres and I’m really happy about that,” Roach said.
The Filipino boxing icon did not spar yesterday but spent a lot of time on top of the ring, practicing different combinations as they mapped out plans to stop Larios at the Araneta Coliseum.
“I’m trying to get Manny to jump on him right away and take this guy early. I hope I get Manny to do that. I want him to go to the body early. Like we did in the last (Erik) Morales fight. We know how effective Manny is when he goes to the body early,” added Roach.
Pacquiao also did the usual stuff: skipping ropes, shadow boxing, working on the speed-ball and double-end bag, and rolling out a rubber mat for hundreds of crunches and sit-ups.
Pacquiao will once again spar today with his Russian mate Rustam Nugaev who flew in with the local star from LA. Nugaev will see action against RP’s Dennis Laurente in the Pacquiao undercard.
“I’m okay. I think I’ve already shaken off my jet-lag.
I’m recovering well although there’s a lot more to do. But I have a full week left to train,” said Pacquiao.
As planned and as scheduled, Pacquiao, who is billeted at the Manila Hotel, started the day early. He ran close to five miles at 5 a.m., went back to his suite and trooped to the gym before noon.
“We got up at 5 this morning and had a good run at the park. Then after our road work we had our meals and some rest. We got to the gym on time today. Everything was on schedule,” said Roach.
“I think the jet lag is about over. I expect a good sparring day tomorrow,” he added. The last sparring day is on Monday, unless Roach decides otherwise.
“But it’ll be just to go through the motions and keep our timing for the fight.”
