Pacquiao skips training anew, but says he’s 100% ready for fight

MANILA, Philippines – With just two weeks to go before he goes head-to-head with Timothy Bradley Jr for the third time on April 9 (April 10 in Manila), Manny Pacquiao took another day off from his intense training in the United States. 

Pacquiao’s coach Freddie Roach knew it was not a good day to train when he saw his valued pupil tired on Saturday, March 26, prompting him to allow the Filipino boxing champ to rest.

Pacquiao had a busy day at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, California on Friday, March 25, as he engaged in a grueling 12-round sparring session.

“Manny needs a bit of rest after a hard day’s work on Thursday [US time], when he engaged his mates to a no-nonsense sparring, which by far was the best since we arrived here from Manila,” Roach told PhilBoxing.com.

Top Rank Promotions chief Bob Arum was impressed with Pacquiao’s performance in training camp and confided that the Filipino boxing icon is back in his fearsome form.

The 7-time “Trainer of the Year” recipient affirmed Arum’s observation and stressed that he is not worried about giving Pacquiao a breather as the bout is getting closer.

“No, I’m not worried at all because I know he’ll be back tomorrow,” Roach said. “As we’ve been saying, Manny’s already in peak form and can easily adjust to whatever glitch that may occur from now until we leave for Las Vegas.”

In a separate interview, Pacquiao guaranteed that he is already in perfect condition and is prepared to take on Bradley.

“I’m ready, I’m ready to fight even tomorrow,” Pacquiao said. “Our preparation was very good and I cannot ask for more.”

Many were worried when they learned that Pacquiao skipped a day’s work, fearing that the 37-year-old pugilist may have gotten another injury.

Pacquiao blamed his injured right shoulder for his poor performance in his May 2015 blockbuster bout versus Floyd Mayweather Jr.

But Pacquiao gave an assurance that his right shoulder is fully healed. He also said that he is thankful that he managed to complete his 8-week preparation.

“Despite our heavy schedule, there was no major injury, especially the past two weeks. I want to thank the Lord for sparing us from trouble throughout our 8 weeks of preparation. If not for Him, I wouldn’t reach this far,” he said. – Rappler.com