SUMMARY
This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.
Manny Pacquiao did his closing workout at the Wild Card Boxing Club here on Monday afternoon, August 16, and drew praise from his trainers.
Consultant Freddie Roach, chief trainer Buboy Fernandez, and conditioning coach Justin Fortune agree this was one of the best camps they have had with Pacquiao ever.
They believe Pacquiao could be in even better shape for his title duel with Yordenis Ugas on Saturday, August 21 (Sunday, August 22) than when the eight-division world champion beat Keith Thurman by split decision two years ago.
According to Roach, Ugas’ style is tailor-made for Pacquiao.
“Ugas is a little bit slow and he always goes for the home run (knockout),” said Roach.”He is a big puncher and he goes for the big overhand right.
“Slow-footed fighters will always be in trouble against Manny. He can’t keep up with Manny’s pace.”
For his part, Fernandez swears Pacquiao exceeded his expectations.
“He (Pacquiao) is 110% in good condition,” said Fernandez in Filipino.”We’re ready to go and so we did minimal workout today (Monday).
According to Fernandez, Ugas, who is 5-foot-9, has a tendency to slouch against shorter opponents so they’ve hatched up a plan with which Pacquiao can exploit in the ring.
Fortune continues to be amazed by Pacquiao’s physical gifts. Despite being 42 years old, Pacquiao still outran younger boxers and physical fitness buffs who accompanied him while jogging at either Pan Pacific Park or Griffith Park for the last 6 weeks.
“He (Pacquiao) is fast, strong, and very fit,” said Fortune. “Ugas will definitely be in trouble. We win.”
The trainers and his sparring partners were also impressed with Pacquiao’s sharp and slick movements in intense sessions which culminated on Saturday.
For the most part, however, Pacquiao’s spar mates were lefties as he was originally slated to tangle with Errol Spence Jr., who got replaced by Ugas after sustaining a retinal tear.
Pacquiao did a four-rounder with AB Gonzalez, an orthodox fighter like Ugas, to cap the sparring sessions.
He took a break Sunday and early Monday, Pacquiao took to the streets of Los Angeles again.
Pacquiao returned to Wild Card in the afternoon to complete the traditional cycle.
Then it’s off to Las Vegas. – Rappler.com
Add a comment
How does this make you feel?
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.