MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partners have noticed improvements in his overall performance. The Filipino champ, however, wants to improve further.
During Tuesday’s sparring session at the Shape Up Gym in Baguio City, Pacquiao showed his training partners that indeed he can handle taller fighters.
“It was good, man. Everybody was talking about it and when he comes out in a fight, he’s gonna be good,” said American Glen Tapia, one of Pacquiao’s sparring mates.
Testament to Tapia's statement was the busted lip he got from Pacquiao, who is set to trade punches with Antonio “Tijuana Tornado” Margarito of Mexico on November 13.Even World Boxing Association (WBA) light welterweight champion Amir Khan, who also sparred with Pacquiao, believes the Filipino champ has the right tools to dismantle the 5’11” Margarito.
“The angles… he hits from angles, you know, his speed, his technique and having [coach] Freddie Roach in the corner is a big help,” said Khan.
The Filipino’s esteemed trainer also attested to Pacquiao’s improvement.
“Manny Pacquiao is coming back,” said Roach.
Pacquiao, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, has worked on regaining his speed after becoming sluggish with the added weight.
The 7-division champion has cut his weight down to 148 pounds and is again becoming the same boxing terror of the past. The Filipino boxer reportedly went above 150 pounds before deciding to shed the added weight.
Pacquiao said he plans to make more improvements as his fight date with the Mexican champ approaches.
He also denied reports that he has lost focus in training due to commitments outside boxing.
“Sa focus nandiyan tayo sa focus. Pero ang tina-target ko talaga, konti na lang, konti na lang… ‘yong sinasabi kong more speed and power (When it comes to focus, I’ve always been focused. But now my targets are, and I’m getting very near them, is getting more speed and power),” said Pacquiao. – With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
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