Pacquiao Sparring Partner Pays for Cockiness, Goes Home Bloodied and Aching
By Winchell Campos
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 14 Oct 2011
LOS ANGELES--Hastings Bwalya had all the great credentials and hype as he was highly recommended by cutman Miguel Diaz to back up sparring chores for Manny Pacquiao.
The African had an unbeaten slate--seven wins and five knockouts to his credit--and a big mouth to back it up. He taunted Pacquiao to start off their getting-to-know-you introduction right on opening bell. He chuckled and egged on Pacquiao to mix it up.
Reputedly a tough sparring partner to Floyd Mayweather in his last training camp against Sugar Shane Mosley, Bwalya talked his way to get the goat of Pacquiao, who greatly obliged. Showing impeccable footwork and a blinding hand speed, Pacquiao showed Bwalya a thing or two about humility and compassion, instead of exchanging in a heated war of words.
In the second round, Pacquiao showed the former Zambia Olympian accurate punching and power combinations as he cornered his opponent with crisp body blows and a devastating uppercut that eventually bloodied his opponent's nose and mouth.
"Are you ok?" asked Pacquiao, as he relented on finishing off his cocky sparring partner with more punishing blows. After being trapped helplessly in the ropes, Bwalya was sent to his corner so that he could wipe off his messed up face and finished the round. Blood and vaseline was flowing out of Bwalya's nose as Pacquiao let him survive the round.
Pacquiao is in the middle of his preparations for a third fight against his nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has vowed to end all doubt about the outcome of his last two previous encounters as both came close and controversial. The first fight ended in a draw while the second was a split decision.
It was also three years ago when Pacquiao last fought in the lower weight classes of super featherweight before invading the ranks of lightweights, light welterweights, welterweights and light middleweight to become the only man who has won titles in eight weight divisions.
Pacquiao then sparred for another four rounds with regular sparring partner Ray Beltran, who made a good account of himself. Beltran gave Pacquiao a workout minus the thrash-talking, as both boxers showed respect for each other.
Bwalya returned back to action for rounds seven and eight. Still boisterous and boastful and not one who learns his lesson easily, Bwalya chuckled and taunted, even as Pacquiao smiled. In another burst of speed and agility, the Fighting Congressman from Sarangani just wove his magic, hit his hapless opponent at will and moved in and out of counter-punches that landed a mile away.
Roach and assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez were equally impressed with Pacquiao's improvements as they have not seen Pacquiao as focused as in previous training camps. Asked if Bwalya would be sent back packing home on Saturday, Roach said he'll give the African another chance to prove himself.
"One more day," said Roach, who has been Pacquiao's trainer for over a decade now, starting in 2001 when Pacquiao first teamed up with him and faced a seemingly unbeatable Lehlo Ledwaba of South Africa.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum was equally impressed with the show of firepower from Pacquiao. Also watching the action was world champion Amir Khan and Juan Manuel Lopez along with several select media personalities and TV crews from HBO's 24/7 series.
"Masaya ako dahil maganda ang ikinikilos ni brad kaya sana, tuluy-tuloy na itong magandang simula," said Fernandez.
Photo: Pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao (R) throws a left to African Hastings Bwalya during sparring Thursday at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles. The cocky Bwalya went home bloodied and aching.
Photos by Ping Nepomuceno.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Winchell Campos.
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