PACQUIAO'S PROGNOSIS: "IT'S POSITIVE"
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 28 Nov 2008
LOS ANGELES--Feeling very light on his feet, and the fact that he does not have to starve himself to make weight, boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao yesterday declared that he is going into his December 6 fight with Oscar De la Hoya in the mood to win and win big.
"It's positive!" was the Pacman's curt reply at the Wild Card Gym when asked if he can take down De la Hoya and defeat what is probably his last hurdle to earn crossover fan appeal in boxing.
In front of a throng of Filipino mediamen yesterday, Pacquiao showed boundless energy when he hit the mitts for thirteen rounds non-stop with trainer Freddie Roach holding the mitts against him.
This was preceded by four rounds of shadow-boxing, and followed by three rounds on the double-end bag, and another three with the speed ball, before the usual skipping ropes, shadow boxing, sit-ups and the sticks with assistant trainer Eric Brown.
Today, while the entire United States of America celebrates Thanksgiving Day, Pacquiao is set to continue training with an 8-round sparring session.
"He will not take a breather. The sparring will continue with eight, six on Saturday, and perhaps another four before we leave for Las Vegas," stated Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez, who along with Nonoy Neri has been assisting Roach and Brown in honing Pacquiao into his most dangerous form.
A specially-designed bus, commissioned by promoter Bob Arum, will take Pacquiao and his family and team to Las Vegas on Monday. Another bus, which will be used by the media and other team members, will follow Pacquiao's bus.
Team Pacquiao will not stay at the host MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, but will be billeted at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, as Pacquiao thinks the latter brings him luck.
It was at the MGM Grand where Pacquiao lost to Erik Morales in their first encounter as well as the draw with Juan Manuel Marquez, while the Mandalay had been host to his victorious battles against Marco Antonio Barrera in the rematch, against Juan Manuel Marquez in the rematch, and most recently, the win over David Diaz for the WBC lightweight title.
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