PACQUIAO TAKES TWO PROSPECTS UNDER MP WINGS
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 06 Sep 2007
CEBU CITY--Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has just proven that he too has an eye for talent by putting under his care two topnotch prospects from North Cotabato who will be seeing action in the undercard of his October 6 rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera.
"I promise to prioritize these two boxers in the card. When I fight Barrera, they will also be fighting in the undercard," revealed Pacquiao in an interview, referring to unbeaten prospects Glenn Gonzales and Jundy Maraon.
Gonzales (6-0, 4 KO's), nicknamed 'Rapidfire,' is an exciting toe-to-toe featherweight banger whose fight style has been likened to that of Pacquiao.
Maraon (10-0-1, 8 KO's), the sweet-punching 'Pretty Boy,' is a hot superbantamweight upstart who hits like a mule and has skills backed by a solid amateur background.
"These two fighters benefited a lot from the training program brought in by Cuban coach Espinosa to North Cotabato," revealed North Cotabato vice-governor Manny Pinol during his meeting with Pacquiao.
Gonzales and Maraon have been training in Cebu the last two weeks at the Rex 'Wakee' Salud gym, added Pinol, who brought the two fighters to enhance their skill level along with Pacquiao.
"We are making sure we make good impression in our first fight. We cannot afford to be less-than-impressive," said Gonzales after a back-breaking morning run just outside the gated residence of martial arts master Jun Laquindanon in Cebu.
Glenn Gonzalez does some shadow-boxing.
Jundy Maraon cools down by shadow-boxing outside Jun Laguindanum's residence.
Jundy Maraon, Manny Pacquiao, benefactor Jun Laguindanum, Glenn Gonzales and trainer Noli Pinol.
Pacquiao continued his sparring yesterday, logging in six rounds against Aaron Melgarejo, David Rodela and Arniel Tinampay.
"Rodela had a busted nose after their two-round session," said Philboxing.com's Dong Secuya.
On Saturday, Pacquiao along with Gonzales and Maraon are scheduled to take their medical tests at the Chong Hua Hospital and they will be assisted by Dr. Nasser Cruz, the head of the GAB's boxing division.
In the afternoon, Pacquiao will hold a media and fans' day where some 43 pupils of the Fun and Learn Achievers' Academy in Cebu have been greenlighted by no less than trainer Freddie Roach and Pacquiao to be at ringside for the training session.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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