CONCERN OVER PACQUIAO’S SPARRING PARTNERS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 12 Mar 2007
There is growing concern at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles over Manny Pacquiao’s delay in reporting for workouts in preparation for his April 14 showdown with undefeated but unknown Mexican Jorge Solis at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas.
Justin Fortune who was set to take over from celebrated, two-time “Trainer of the Year” Freddie Roach as well as others in the gym are worried after Pacquiao postponed his latest departure set for March 6 and will now leave on March 17, according to his lawyer Franklin “Jing” Gacal. Gacal said Pacquiao had chosen the 17th because “it’s a lucky number for him” pointing to the fact that the Filipino ring idol was born on December 17.
Even local boxing experts including original “Team Pacquiao” member and TV analyst Moy Lainez said Pacquiao could never get the kind of top-class Mexican and other sparring partners he can tangle with at the Wild Card Gym.
While not wanting to denigrate Filipino boxers Jesar Ancajas who was knocked down by Pacquiao in sparring and promising No. 2 junior lightweight Aaron Melgarejo who has taken a beating in the sweltering heat of the ABAP Gym in GenSan, Lainez said they were not really helping Pacquiao.
Although the knockdown of Ancajas was played up the record shows that Ancajas had lost 15 fights and won 14 with 2 draws and 7 knockouts and had lost his last two fights by KO. His wins were against patsies such as Allan Inguito 4-14-3, Bennie Entrata 3-4, Monte Carlos 0-3 and Makoto Saito 3-7 according to boxrec.com. Melgarejo has a record of 9-5-1 with 3 KO’s lost his last fight while the latest addition to the roster of sparring partners Arniel Tinampay has lost his last four fights.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
OKC Routs Denver; 149-106, Ties Series; Semis Series in East Remain Topsy-turvy as Boston Goes Down 0-2 With 91-90 Loss to NY
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Thu, 08 May 2025SHAW SENDS A MESSAGE IN HUNT FOR UK OPEN GLORY | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Thu, 08 May 2025WBO presents the Amanda Serrano Championships
Thu, 08 May 2025GM Antonio faces tough competition in ASEAN Seniors Chess Championships in Penang, Malaysia
By Marlon Bernardino, Thu, 08 May 2025Boxing: Entertainment Sport or Sport Entertainment?
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 07 May 2025JIM LAMPLEY'S BOOK TOUR IS IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA THIS WEEK!
Wed, 07 May 2025CAPITO IGNITES TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE | 2025 UK OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP
Wed, 07 May 2025Sol Levinson: The Man Whose Gloves Elevated Boxing
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Tue, 06 May 2025Undefeated Cuban Heavyweight Prospect Dainier Pero Finishes Intense Las Vegas Training Camp Ahead of May 9 MVP Main Event on DAZN
Tue, 06 May 2025The Past Week in Action 5 May 2025: Inoue-Cardenas Saves Historic Boxing Weekend; Canelo-Scull Sets New Record for Fewest Punches Thrown
By Eric Armit, Tue, 06 May 2025Sampson Lewkowicz Congratulates Cardenas, Romero and Espinoza and Vows to Make Next Year's Cinco de Mayo Unforgettable, Highlighted by David Benavidez Facing the Winner of Bivol vs. Beterbiev
Tue, 06 May 2025Saving the Best for Last: GSW Upstages Raw Rockets
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Tue, 06 May 2025Antonio, Bagamasbad face tough competition in Woman FIDE Master Sheerie Joy Lomibao Open Rapid Chess Tournament on May 18
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 06 May 2025Andres “Savage” Cortes Finishes Strong Training Camp Ahead of Crucial May 10 Clash Against Salvador Jimenez at Pechanga Arena San Diego
Tue, 06 May 2025SALITA PROMOTIONS and ALL THE SMOKE FIGHT PRESENT HALL OF FAME FIGHT NIGHT
Tue, 06 May 2025