By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — As he had promised, Manny Pacquiao returned to his high-altitude training camp in Baguio City on Sunday night in time for another punishing session under the watchful eyes of top trainer Freddie Roach and conditioning coach Alex Ariza on Monday afternoon.
Pacquiao bolted out Baguio Saturday afternoon after bringing sparring partner Michael Medina to school in their four-round encounter at the Cooyeesan Hotel so he could fulfill a speaking engagement in Metro Manila and spend some time with his daughter Princess, who had just turned four.
Roach had given him the go-signal to take a break after Pacquiao assured him that he will be back the next day as the build-up for the Nov. 13 clash with Antonio Margarito is fast approaching.
Pacquiao honored his word, got back in Baguio around 8 p.m. and did his morning roadwork in Sta. Lucia Village on Monday, far and away from the maddening crowd at Burnham Park.
Since Monday is a non-sparring day, Pacquiao’s morning jog was tough as he had to do it in inclined roads.
But on sparring days – Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays – Pacquiao will do his roadwork on the flat surface of Burnham Park, a favorite destination and meeting point among locals and tourists alike.
Pacquiao has sparred a total of eight rounds since kicking off his first session with Glen Tapia of the Dominican Republic. Last Saturday, it was the turn of Michael Medina of Mexico.
Ariza said that while Pacquiao toyed with Medina the first time, he (Medina) will only “get better” in the coming sparring days.
Tapia, who is 5-foot-10, and Medina, 5-foot-11, and who fights very much like Margarito, have been in the country since Sept. 20.
Meanwhile, Bob Arum is arriving in the country on Oct. 16, in time for a media day that he and Pacquiao will host on Oct. 18 in Baguio.
"That should be a huge event," said Arum, who will be joined by her stepdaughter Dena DuBoef and Mexican promoter Fernando Beltran.
Arum is very pleased that Pacquiao has been pretty impressive in his training.
Source: mb.com.ph
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