LOS ANGELES – Sometime during the fast and furious punch mitt sessions that Freddie Roach did with Manny Pacquiao on Friday afternoon, the top trainer did something that he normally didn‘t.
After constant pounding from Pacquiao’s heavy hands, Roach motioned to his prized pupil to stop, telling boxing’s pound-for-pound king that he has done enough to cap another day of hard work at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.
“No more,” a visibly exhausted Roach said as Pacquiao continued to throw punches as the crowd that gathered watched in awe. “Go get some water (for you to drink).”
Pacquiao would not have any of Roach’s excuses, no matter how valid they were.
“I am just warming up,” said Pacquiao as those in attendance laughed.
But Roach still managed to calm down Pacquiao, who still amazed onlookers by training without letup even after two hours of continuous high-paced action.
With exactly a week to go before Pacquiao tangles with Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Pacquiao said he is more than ready, telling a foursome of visiting scribes from the Philippines that “he can’t wait to get to the ring.”
From what took place during the 15 rounds of mitts, it became clearer and clearer that Pacquiao and Roach have all the battle plan all figured out.
As if on cue, Pacquiao would dig a left to Roach’s bodyguard after unleashing his trademark blinding combinations.
“Kill the body,” hollered Roach as Pacquiao was about to unload another barrage.
Roach said the key for Pacquiao is to “win the exchanges” and “stay away” from Clottey’s firing range.
Pacquiao’s superb showing made the day of Roach, who celebrated his 50th birthday.
After the workout, Pacquiao presented his master a cake as some gym rats shared on Filipino culinary delights like lumpia (spring roll), pansit bihon (stir-fried noodles), chicken adobo (stew), and beef caldereta (pot roast).
Author: NICK GIONGCO
Source: mb.com.ph
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