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MANILA, Philippines – Eight division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao made an impression on Stan Martyniouk in his first sparring session of training camp for his November 23 bout with Chris Algieri in Macau.
Pacquiao (56-5-3, 38 knockouts) worked four rounds with the 29-year-old lightweight Martyniouk, whose 5-foot-10 frame and mobile style serves as a close approximation for the WBO junior welterweight titleholder Chris Algieri (20-0, 8 KOs).
“I was really nervous but it went well,” Martyniouk (13-2, 2 KOs) tells Rappler after sparring the WBO welterweight titleholder at his gym in General Santos City, Philippines. “It was definitely an experience sparring Manny.
“He is very tricky, very fast, got great movement and has very good power. He was very relaxed. I learned a lot of things, don’t wanna give them away just yet.”
Martyniouk, who lives in Belmont, Calif. but was born in the former Soviet country of Estonia, feels confident that the 35-year-old Pacquiao will register his third straight victory when he meets Algieri at The Venetian.
“Let me just say he is already in fight shape. I don’t think it will be a tough fight for Manny. But it will be a very tough fight for Algieri,” said Martyniouk
“Some of the punches he throws are very fast and you don’t see them and that’s what he is going hurt Algieri with.”
Martyniouk is one of four sparring partners whom trainer Freddie Roach will rotate with Pacquiao. Mike Jones (26-2, 19 KOs) of Philadelphia, Pa. and Ukrainian junior welterweight Viktor Postol (26-0, 11 KOs) accompanied Roach to the Philippines on Wednesday.
Jose Ramirez (11-0, 8 KOs), the 2012 U.S. Olympian who turned pro on the undercard of Pacquiao’s knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez in December of 2012, will join them shortly.
Aside from getting paid to help Pacquiao prepare, the opportunity serves as a vital learning experience for Martyniouk, who defeated former Pacquiao sparring mate David Rodela in 2013 before losing a split-decision to unbeaten fighter Ivan Najera in August.
Several of Pacquiao’s sparring partners, including Shawn Porter and Ruslan Provodnikov have gone on to win world titles after working with Pacquiao.
“I’m learning a lot here. This is such a great experience and I am very thankful and honored that I’ve been chosen to help Manny out. It will definitely get me to the next level. Most of Manny’s sparring partners have done well in the pros after his training camp,” said Martyniouk.
“Not only am I sparring Manny but Freddie is also working with me and making me better.”
Martyniouk says he expects to spar with Pacquiao again on Tuesday. – Rappler.com
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