World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao’s preparations for his title-encounter with Sugar Shane Mosley shifts to high gear starting today at the Shape Up Boxing Gym inside Cooyeesan Hotel in Baguio City.
A three-round sparring against undefeated welterweight Shawn Porter, the same man who helped him prepare in his fight against Miguel Cotto two years ago, signals the Pacman’s return to boxing since scoring a unanimous decision win over Mexican Antonio Margarito last November in Dallas.
Chief trainer Freddie Roach doesn’t know whether to pair the pound-for-pound king against his other sparmate, lightweight contender David Rodela, saying in a telephone interview, it would depend on Pacquiao’s condition following a two-day respite from training over the weekend.
Pacquiao was supposed to resume training Saturday at the Elorde Sports Complex in Paranaque City, a day after receiving the “Quintessential Athlete” Award during Friday’s Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Awards night but cancelled it, precisely to give him rest following a hectic two-week regimen.
He and his team travelled back to the Pines City Sunday.
“He gave himself a two-day rest and I have no quarrel with that. He needs it after almost burning himself out the past two weeks in our efforts to restore his condition after four months of inactivity,” Roach, who waited for his ward for two hours at Elorde’s to no avail Saturday, said.
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