After the personal chaos that nearly derailed him in his last fight, superstar boxer Manny Pacquiao has recommitted to his religion and gave up his vices, which has made a difference in his training camp.
Pacquiao, the boxer of the decade, will take on Cathedral City boxer Timothy Bradley for the WBO welterweight title on June 9 in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, trainer Freddie Roach and promoter Bob Arum were all part of an international conference call Tuesday, which was the start of another round of media availability. On Thursday, Bradley will hold a public workout at the Indio Boys and Girls Club at 11 a.m., followed by his own international conference call. Also on Thursday, Pacquiao will make his sixth appearance on the late night talk show Jimmy Kimmel Live.
Bradley will also have a meet-and-greet appearance from 2-4 p.m., Saturday at Spotlight 29 Casino.
Next week, both fighters will have media workouts in Los Angeles.
During Tuesday?s call, Pacquiao admitted he had family problems that affected him prior to his November fight against Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao won a tight majority decision that drew controversy.
The family problems Pacquiao was referring to was marital problems with his wife Jinkee. Pacquiao?s trainer Freddie Roach confirmed that Pacquiao had a good training camp leading up to the Marquez fight, but issues in the final week created problems for Pacquiao.
?Manny eliminated the distractions around him, and he?s more focused for this one,? Roach said on the conference call.
Promoter Bob Arum said he had paid visits to Pacquiao?s training camp in Hollywood and said he has noticed a difference in Pacquiao.
?The difference in Manny?s face is so apparent,” Arum said. ?He?s not as tired as he was, not as worn as he was. There?s a glow in his face. I think this religious awakening has been all good. I?m a bit prejudice because I?m a religious person myself. But I believe when young athletes find religion, they only enhance their careers.?
