Four days removed from flying around the world to Los Angeles, eight-division world champion and boxer laureate Senator Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs), who hails from Sarangani Province in the Philippines, had the headgear on and sparred four rounds with two taller and younger southpaws at Freddie Roach’s world-famous Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif. on Thursday.
The small audience that observed the session included two people assigned by the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association (VADA) to collect a blood sample following his workout – the second time VADA has tested Manny this week. Manny has powered his way through jet lag to train two to three hours daily at Wild Card every afternoon while starting most mornings with runs at either Pan Pacific Park or running straight up the hills of Griffith Park to the iconic Hollywood Sign, followed by a series of 1,000 sit-ups. It is an extraordinary feat for any athlete, but for the 42-year-old amazin’ Manny, it is just a walk in the park.
Manny takes on undefeated unified WBC and IBF welterweight world champion Errol “The Truth” Spence Jr. (27-0, 21 KOs), from Desoto, Texas, in a blockbuster championship showdown that headlines a FOX Sports PBC Pay-Per-View Saturday, August 21 from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
“Manny lives for the challenge and the competition. Manny loves hearing that the Las Vegas odds and the media favor Errol Spence,” said Freddie. “Manny knows it’s a tough fight – probably his toughest – but that’s why he began his conditioning so early in the Philippines. Usually, jet lag keeps him out of the gym for one day the first week he arrives in Los Angeles. Not this time. He has been here every day, training two and half to three hours each afternoon. I usually hold off sparring the first week, but Manny insisted on sparring yesterday, so we brought in Maurice Lee (5’11) and Alexis Rocha (5’10), who went two rounds each with Manny. Manny has achieved so much in his boxing career and in his life. But everyone in camp can sense this fight has a special meaning. It is not just about beating a top pound-for-pound fighter or winning more titles. This time it’s all about boxing immortality for Manny Pacquiao. I am a Red Sox fan, and I can tell he wants to go out like Ted Williams did, hitting a home run in his last at bat. By the way, Ted Williams was also 42 when he did that.”
“What a great experience,” said Lee, 29, who boasts a professional record of 12-1-2, 5 KOs. “I thought since he had just flown in from the Philippines, he would be a little tired and I could catch him with a few shots. But he was sharp, elusive, and unpredictable. Video tape does not prepare you for his speed and the angles he fights from. His punches were coming from everywhere! Calling him elite would be an understatement.”
“Sparring with Manny was definitely a learning experience,” said Rocha, 24, who scored a second-round knockout victory over James Bacon in June to improve his record to 17-1, 11 KOs. “Manny has a very awkward style to fight because his punches come from all directions. He has fast and heavy hands and he throws punches in bunches.
So excited for this fight!
Manny!!! Bring in Trout for some sparring. Hes slick, quick, experienced, and southpaw. Untapped resources right there!!!
I’m rooting for Spence but respect Manny. I truly believe he could have been a 9 division champion. I think he could have beaten GGG. GGG has terrible footwork and if Manny fought smart he could have beaten him. Anywho Spence vs Manny is the fight I anticipated more than any in all of combat sports.
Youth will prevail in this fight. If Manny was the same age as Spence, different story. Not in this case. Manny is not the same fighter he was years ago. My 2 cents….Have a great evening.
I whole heartedly disagree. GGG was a very smart and good boxer with a great jab and when Manny fought Margarito he was in tremendous pain after the fight bcuz of the body shots. Imagine what GGG would do, who was better and MUCH more powerful
Manny could have one at middleweight if he had taken on Cotto after he beat Sergio. But Cotto was also trained by Roach. Manny had already whooped Cotto @$$ at welter, the weight would not have helped Cotto deal with Pac’s speed. But GGG was too strong for pac. Pacs footwork and hand speed would have made it interesting for a few rounds. But that GGG jab and power would do the little guy in. And if you think GGG had bad terrible footwork then you are absolutely clueless about boxing. His footwork is great, puts himself in position to cut off the ring and utilizes distance extremely well when he wants to. GGG problem was he loads up with every shot besides the jab. But he would be too much for pac to handle.
This is the first time I’ve read anything about the Southpaw being involved in the conversation. I’ve written it many times. When you have 2 southpaws the fight breaks down extremely different. It can get really ugly early with head clashes. I actually see Manny benefiting more. Just because he is so fast up the middle and has great forward combos. Spences great lateral movement could be nutralized. He’ll possibly have to stand his ground more which could hurt him. I feel this should be talked about so much more but it seems to be left at wayside.
Not really different than two right handers fighting each other.
Manny will look good for the first couple of rounds, but then will look like 42 y old Manny. It’s just asking too much for such an old Pacman to do well, as much as I myself would like to see him do really well.