Roach amazed by Pacquiao?s newfound punching power
By Aquiles Z. Zonio
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 28 Sep 2016
PASAY CITY ? Hall of Famer coach Freddie Roach was amazed by what he claimed as newfound punching power of fighting Senator Manny Pacquiao.
?I like what I see. He?s very inspired and aggressive. But what really surprised me was his punching power. I can feel it,? Roach said when interviewed by reporters Tuesday evening.
Roach arrived from the United States early Tuesday morning to take charge of Senator Pacquiao?s preparation for the Nov. 5 ring duel against World Boxing Organization Welterweight champion Jessie Vargas at the Thomas & Mack Arena in Las Vegas.
Roach brought along American Light Welterweight boxer Jose Carlos Ramirez, one of Senator Pacquiao?s sparring partners.
Ramirez, who represented the US in the 2012 London Olympics, immediately buckled down to work upon arrival in Manila.
The Avenal, California native sparred with the Pinoy boxing icon for four rounds Tuesday evening at the Elorde Boxing Gym located at the Five E-com building near Mall of Asia Complex here.
?I?m still suffering from a jetlag. But that was not an excuse. I came here to help Manny Pacquiao prepare for his fight against Vargas,? Ramirez said.
Ramirez claimed it is challenging and a good learning experience on his part to spar with the world?s only eight-division boxing champion.
?He?s (Pacquiao) strong and quick aside from throwing unpredictable punching combinations. I feel laggard today but I will try to step up in the next sparring sessions when I can recover. I just arrived from a long travel,? Ramirez said.
After a four-round sparring with Ramirez, Pacquiao traded punches for another two rounds with Filipino Lightweight pug Leonardo Doronio.
Roach bared he has lined up two foreign boxers as sparring mates of his prized ward.
The other sparring partner, he said, would arrive Friday morning from the United States.
Roach was wondering where did Senator Pacquiao draw his newfound strength and punching power.
?He?s (Pacquiao) getting older but he?s coming back to the game even stronger than before. And I like it,? Roach bared.
Roach was expecting a lot of fireworks when Pacquiao and Vargas collide inside the ring come November.
Buboy Fernandez, Pacman?s assistant trainer, confirmed Roach?s statement.
?I took charge of his training for about three weeks and every time we had the mitts? session parang ginagawang crispy pata ang buong braso ko sa tindi ng mga suntok niya,? Fernandez revealed.
Fernandez disclosed his whole frame is shuddering due to the strong impact of a body shot unleashed by the Filipino boxing legend during the training.
?Kahit merong body protector, ramdam ko ang nakakayanig na lakas ng kanyang mga suntok. Mas lumakas siya ngayon. Tingin ko hindi tatagal ang laban. May paglalagyan ang kalaban pag nasapol nang kanyang suntok,? Fernandez said.
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