Pacquiao open media workout amidst Typhoon Juan
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 18 Oct 2010
Baguio City ? There was a respectful silence inside the Shape Up Boxing gym when Manny Pacquiao started stretching and warm ups for his Monday afternoon workout. The media were invited to attend and dozens braved the raging Typhoon Juan (Megi) which just hit landfall in Northern Luzon.
The cameras clicked as conditioning coach Alex Ariza assisted Pacquiao in stretching his upper arms. The reporters flocked around Bob Arum who was worried about Pacquiao?s conditioning.
?I don?t interfere with where the fighter wants to train,? Arum said, ?The old Pacquiao would have no problem beating Antonio Margarito. He still has time to bring the old Pacquiao back when he is in LA.?
Under the watchful eyes of Trainer Freddie Roach, Ariza and assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez, the seven division world champion was in a relaxed and playful mood when the session started.
As the TV cameras rolled and the photographers clicked, Pacquiao danced and shadow boxed around the ring. As the minutes passed his blinding hand speed became more evident. He then worked the mitts with Freddie Roach and the impact of his blows echoed around the gym. They worked on body shots, counters and how to stay avoid getting trapped on the ropes. Pacquiao then punched non stop for more than three minutes on the mitts.
The Pacman still wanted more but Roach yelled ?no more?. Streams of sweat cascaded down his face as he proceeded to hit the double-ended bag and speedball. The reporters crowded around Roach who was more optimistic of his boxer?s chances.
The multi-awarded trainer thinks the fight will not last twelve rounds. When asked if it Pacquiao can score an early knockout, Roach said, ?It could happen if he starts fast.?
Outside the winds got stronger. From the glass windows one could see the violent swaying of the trees; a reflection of the ferocity and intensity of the man who carries the weight and expectations of an entire nation.
Pacquiao proceed to skip rope before doing his cooling down routine. He ended his two hour session with a moment of reflection and prayer. Even the great ones acknowledge the presence of a higher power.
Top photo: Pound for pound king and Congressman Manny Pacquiao skips rope unmindful to the heavy rains and gusty winds brought about by super typhoon Juan (Megi) outside the Shape Up Gym at the Cooyeesan Hotel in Baguio City Monday afternoon.
Photo by Dong Secuya.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Herlan Gomez, Jason Moloney Make Weight for WBC Australasia Bantamweight Battle in Australia
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 05 Dec 2025OLYMPIC BOXING 5: 1928 OLYMPICS AT AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
By Maloney L. Samaco, Fri, 05 Dec 2025MONTE-CARLO SHOWDOWN VI PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES
Fri, 05 Dec 2025Class of 2026 Announced in Canastota
Fri, 05 Dec 2025Thailand’s Niyomtrong “Knockout CPF” Decisions Junior Zárate, Becomes World Champion Again
By Carlos Costa, Fri, 05 Dec 2025WORLD RANKED FILIPINO BOXERS AS OF DECEMBER 2025 BY THE RING, WBC, WBA, IBF, AND WBO
By Maloney L. Samaco, Fri, 05 Dec 2025Shinard Bunch Takes on John Paul Magalong on Tuesday, January 13th at The UFC Gym North Brunswick in North Brunswick, NJ
Fri, 05 Dec 2025Severino and Mendoza win Blitz Asian Chess Championship for Players with Disabilities
By Marlon Bernardino, Fri, 05 Dec 2025Herlan Gomez Departs for Australia for Moloney Fight Saturday on DAZN
By Carlos Costa, Thu, 04 Dec 2025KENNETH LLOVER DEFENDS OPBF TITLE IN FOURTH FIGHT OF 2025
Thu, 04 Dec 2025Canoy, Mama, Into Contend in IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships in Dubai
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 04 Dec 2025CHAMPIONING MENTAL HEALTH 2: REMATCH SEASON FULL FIGHT CARD SET
Thu, 04 Dec 2025MERRY FISTMAS! World-Ranked KO Artist Ramon Cardenas Faces Erik Robles in ProBoxTV Main Event at War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, Thursday, December 18
Thu, 04 Dec 2025THE PAST WEEK IN ACTION 2 DECEMBER 2025: Kavaliauskas Wins by Split Decision Over Molina; Whittaker Stops Gavazi in 1; Malajika Wins by UD Over Paras
By Eric Armit, Wed, 03 Dec 2025WBC Strips Terence Crawford of Super Middle Title
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 03 Dec 2025