MANNY Pacquiao had his Russian spar mate almost decked as sparring for the eight time weight division champion started Thursday afternoon for their high altitude training.
After almost two weeks of mitts training at the SUB gym along Naguilian Road, Pacquiao gave Ruslan Provodnikov a preview of their training sessions for the next three weeks before moving to Los Angeles for the last phase of training.
Some 200 spectators flocked the boxing gym with Rep. Bernardo Vergara and Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson in the crowd as Pacquiao gears up for his upcoming WBO welterweight title defense against Timothy Bradley on June 9. Both fighters tried to slug it out in the second and third rounds but Pacquiao?s speed was simply awesome for Provodnikov who was at one point peppered with more than 20 unanswered punches.
In the 3rd round, he again ambushed the Russian boxer whom coach Freddie Roach chose for his similar style with Bradley as they square off on June 9 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“He is getting there,” the Russian boxer later said. “He can beat Bradley,” he added in halting English.
The 5?6? Provodnikov has a 21-1 record with 14 knockouts where he is accompanied by another Russian boxer, lightweight Rustam Nugaev, who also serves as Provodnikov?s translator.
Roach said he is satisfied with Pacquiao’s training so far.
“He’s fine. We are halfway there. We have a long time to go,” said Roach.
He said he chose Provodnikov because he is of the same height as the undefeated Bradley and they fight similarly.
Pacquiao ran three laps around Burnham Park Thursday morning. (Roderick Osis)
