LOS ANGELES, CA-This is one job thousands of unemployed people here would not dare apply for: “Sparring Partner” for Manny Pacquiao.
There is a new and unposted “wanted” sign at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card gym intended solely for Pacquiao, who looked more formidable than ever in his first sparring session since his historic annihilation of Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera in November last year.
Armenian Karen Harutyunyan, a regular sparring partner who should have already been familiar with Pacquaio’s aggressive style, became the first casualty of training.
The previously unbeaten bantam fighter (10 wins, three draws) suffered a bruised left rib and had to get two x-ray check-ups for broken bones. He went home with a brace and an ice pack on his chest.
