LOS ANGELES, California -- Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao concluded his first day of sparring on Thursday (Friday in Manila) by dominating journeyman boxer Bryan Brooks in four rounds.
“I feel good. I’m very well conditioned. My opponent was big. I did well against him. I’m happy and my coach is happy,” said Pacquiao.
Roach said Pacquiao followed the game plan well during the four-round sparring session. He also said Brooks was hurt a few times while sparring with the pound-for-pound king.
“[Pacquiao] did really well. He’s already following the game plan. This was a good sparring partner for Shane Mosley but I don’t think I’m going to bring him back… he got hurt a few times. Manny was too much for him,” he said.
He added: "Yes, he did whatever he wanted too. He was playing with him a little bit. He likes to play with his audience a little bit … overall, it was a great day."
Pacquiao will be facing Joshua Clottey at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas on March 13.
The 7-time world champion is heavily favored to win the bout but Roach is not taking any precautions. He did not allow any media members to film the sparring session or mitt work.
Pacquiao also believes they have their work cut out for them. He said Clottey is a tough, durable opponent. In 39 fights, the boxer from Ghana has never been knocked out.
“Clottey is strong and sturdy. He can take a punch and has a good defense. This is not going to be an easy fight,” said the Filipino.
Roach said that the key to beat Clottey is Pacquiao’s quickness.
“Don’t stand in front of him. Use lateral movement, in-and-outs and side-to-side pretty much because he’s a big strong guy but again boxing ability is going to win this, not size,” said Roach.
If Thursday’s sparring session was an indicator of how the fight will be against Clottey, then Clottey has his work cut out for him.
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
***
No comments:
Post a Comment