ROACH HAPPY WITH PACQUIAO'S FIRST 12-ROUND SPARRING
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Tue, 18 Sep 2007
CEBU CITY--Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach was two thumbs-up yesterday after his superstar pupil Manny Pacquiao cruised through his first 12-round session virtually unscathed and wanting for more.
Yesterday's session thus brings to 80 the total number of rounds Pacquiao has sparred so far in preparation for his mammoth rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera on October 6 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
"It was ok. He did great. He just stayed a little bit too long on the ropes, and i didn't like that very much," said Roach when interviewed yesterday at the Rex 'Wakee' Salud gym.
Pacquiao sparred four rounds with Mexican Raymundo Beltran, three rounds with Aaron Melgarejo, three rounds with Mexican David Rodela and two rounds against welterweight Arniel Tinampay.
"He looked in much better shape today that when he first sparred after his flu. Today he was brilliant," said conditioning trainer Dodie Boy Penalosa, who has been tasked by trainer Buboy Fernandez to oversee Pacquiao's stamina.
Meanwhile, Roach yesterday vehemently protested an article which came out in several websites insinuating that he has a tape of Marco Antonio Barrera's workouts, and that he has commissioned a spy in the Mexican's camp.
"That's a total lie. Tell them it's not true. Why should I do that? I don't need a tape. We already know how to beat Barrera," said the two-time Trainer of the Year awardee.
Pacquiao is expected to run a longer uphill route today at the Alta Vista Golf and Country Club, then report to the gym in the afternoon for his usual workout.
Team Pacquiao leaves Cebu in the evening of September 21, before heading out for Los Angeles the following day.
"We stay one week in LA, then leave on Sunday or Monday for Las Vegas," added the well-loved boxing tactician.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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