PACQUIAO IN SUPERB SHAPE AT THE END OF TRAINING CAMP
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 28 Apr 2015
LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- "This is it, ito na ang pinakahihintay ko. Ito na ang pinakahihintay ng lahat ng tao," were the words uttered by World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao as he finished doing the mitts with chief trainer Freddie Roach for four rounds Monday, his last workout in a two-month camp in Los Angeles.
"At long last, matutuloy na rin," he told this writer while wiping out the sweat inside a small cubicle at the ground floor of the Wild Card Gym, site of what's according to him the toughest camp he had undergone in his 20 years as a prizefighter.
"First, I have to thank God for watching me in my training, for keeping me safe, no accident, injury or sickness," he said.
"After five months of waiting , I am again given the chance to make boxing fans happy, especially our kababayans to who, I am again dedicating this fight," he said.
"This camp, the most rigorous in my career is over, he said. "I just hope maligtas tayo sa anumang kapansanan hanggang sa araw ng laban. I also hope na bigyan tayo ng Panginoon ng panalo."
"Thank God it's over. The beating he's been dealing me and my body is finally over. I'm tired and hurting, but I'm happy. Happy with what we've accomplished in this camp", a seemingly exhausted Roach, for his part, sighed while removing his body protector, including one under his shirt,which he added he's been using to absorb the heavy shots delivered by Pacquiao thrice a week.
"I'm happy, especially what I saw today," Roach observed. "He poured it all today. Very strong and fast, as I've been saying. But stronger and faster today. Manny just showed you what will happen on top of that ring come Saturday."
Roach was referring to the May 2 date his pupil of 14 years with undefeated World Boxing Council and World Boxing Association 147-pound kingpin Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand Arena here.
"If he fights like what he'd just displayed here today, he'll be unbeatable, I tell you," he exclaimed. "It'll be a great fight. It'll be a great day for the fans."
Even Sen. Ralph Recto who witnessed Monday's workout was impressed with the way Pacquiao punished the mitts with powerful shots accompanied by superb footwork and speed in his fists.
"Very quick." the Batangas lawmaker noted. "I think Manny will give Mayweather a run for his money. He will look like a sissy with Manny's power and swiftness."
"Sa pinakita ni Manny today, I'm sure, if there really is a spy watching us, he will feel scared, assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez said in reference to reports that the opposite camp has been sending its people to spy on the progress of the Filipino superstar's preparations.
Another assistant trainer Marvin Somodio agreed with Roach, saying though that the Sarangani Congressman was even holding back on what he really is worth. "Alalay pa nga kasi malapit na ang laban. Mas malakas at mas mabilis yan sa Sabado."
Fellow lawmaker Luis "Chavit" Singson expressed caution though. "Kailangan patulugin, baka ma-mafia eh. Pero kaya, kayang patulugin ang kalaban."
Also at the workout was Pacquiao's mother, Dionisia "Mommy D" Pacquiao, who wished his son a safe and happy trip to here afternoon of the same day.
Pacquiao's traveling caravan, meanwhile, has been through this city of sin again from the world's entertainment city.
The eight division titleholder, his team and his entourage of some 200 arrived here late evening for what could be the biggest show on earth in this era. The combatants' biggest fight, many believe.
Pacquiao, his wife, Sarangani Vice Gov. Jinkee and five children rode in a recreational vehicle (RV) lent him by businessman-friend Abbas Ahmadi at the head of some 40-vehicle convoy, including an air-conditioned tourist bus with kins, friends, supporters and media members that left L.A. following the champ's final workout.
* Photos by Wendell Rupert Alinea
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
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