ROACH WANTS FANS OUT WHILE PACQUIAO TRAINS
By Emmanuel B. Villaruel
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 25 Aug 2007
The continuous overflow of crowd who trooped to RWS Gym to watch Manny Pacquiao train for almost two weeks now had been a big headache for Freddie Roach, forcing the celebrated American trainer to order a maximum enforcement of his "closed-door" policy at the sweat shop owned by well-known Cebuano promoter Rex "Wakee" Salud.
In his first day of workout with Pacquiao on Tuesday last week, Roach was surprised by the deluge of spectators who packed every nook and cranny of the gym. Roach was tolerant at first although he made a request to Salud to keep the gym off limits of Pacman fans.
But still more people are coming over each day, becoming a major concern for Roach who wants privacy for Pacquiao as his prized ward gears up for his highly-anticipated rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera on October 6 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"We just need to concentrate on this fight. It's nice to see a lot of people support Manny, but the thing is we're getting ready for a big fight. It's hot in here, we can't breathe more so with a lot of people around. He can't concentrate because there's too many distractions,"said Roach.
The 2006 Trainer of the Year said he understands that the Cebuanos adore Pacquiao, but he hopes that they will respect the
Filipino ring icon and be senstive of his needs as he shapes up for the most important fight in his career.
"I know the fans love Manny and I do too, but he's getting ready for the biggest fight of his life and we have to respect that," said Roach. "I'm going to talk with Wakee (Salud) and I think I don't have any problem in closing it down. I wan't Manny to focus on this fight."
Meanwhile, Pacquiao sparred for six rounds yesterday - three rounds each against Raymundo Beltran and David Rodela.
"He's getting better this time. He's now faster and more powerful. Right now, I can't say he's not in top shape. His timing is good. It's perfect. He's just started sparring and I believe there's more to come from him. He's going to the top level very soon," said Beltran in praising Pacman.
Overall since Rodela's arrival last Sunday, Pacquiao has sparred a total of 13 rounds. Roach targets Pacquiao to spar for at least 120 rounds before they leave for the United States to put up the final phase of their rigid training regimen.
Today, Pacquiao will undergo a light workout - his usual early morning jog,
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