So far, so good. That’s what my source inside Team Pacquiao said regarding the 8-division world champion Manny Pacquiao’s first few days in LA as he prepares for his fourth fight against Juan Manuel Marquez on Dec. 8.
Stricter policies at Pacquiao’s Palazzo pad has kept the peace, and unnecessary visitors out. Although some of the usual faces can still be seen hanging around Pacquiao’s Beverly Hills apartment, the extras and “plus ones, twos, and threes” they used to bring with them have been kept out, somewhat organizing the chaos, giving Pacquiao more time to rest, relax, concentrate, and sleep – at least for the time being. View slideshow: Manny Pacquiao LA training camp
Pacquiao got good work in his first six rounds of sparring last Tuesday, followed by mitts with trainer Freddie Roach on Wednesday. His next sparring session is scheduled Thursday (later today as of this writing). With still 5 weeks to go, Pacquiao is still in schedule with his preparations as long as he maintains his current pace and focus.
In his free time, Pacquiao has been playing a lot of chess, and discussing bible scripture with team members, while other other pastors who have caused distractions in the past have been kept out. Pacquiao also regularly calls home to check with his wife Jinkee, who is also running for political office in the upcoming Philippine elections in 2013. The relationship with his wife is said to be stronger than ever, after going through some trying times around the same time last year. As far as politics is concerned, it hasn’t become a distraction yet, since Pacquiao has people updating him, who are also tasked to oversee his political duties for the time being.
So far, so good; and if Pacquiao truly intends to bring back his vintage form in the ring against his most bitter rival Marquez, it should be in his priority list to keep things that way until fight night.
