Roach arrives in GenSan February 14 for Pacquiao training

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s intense training for his third in-ring encounter versus American boxer Timothy Bradley Jr. on April 10 (April 9 in US) will commence as soon as longtime trainer Freddie Roach arrives in the country.

Roach, who has been Pacquiao’s boxing coach since his title-winning performance against Lehlo Ledwaba for the IBF super bantamweight belt in June 2001, is set to arrive in General Santos from Los Angeles, California on February 14.

“I’m going to leave for the Pacquiao camp on February 12th and I get there on the 14th. We’ll start training that day,” Roach said in an interview with Boxing Scene.

The 7-time “Trainer of the Year” awardee says that he plans to make a short trip to the Philippines before heading back to the United Stated to continue Pacquiao’s preparation at the Wild Card Boxing Club.

“We’re trying to make it as short as possible. Right now, I know Manny’s still campaigning to be the senator a little bit, but I’m going to try to bring him back here as soon as possible,” Roach said.

Roach revealed that he will only be giving Pacquiao two to 3 weeks to train in General Santos City, while the last 4 weeks of training camp will be held at his home-base in Los Angeles.

“It’s the usual thing Manny likes to do. We usually spend time in the Philippines for two or 3 weeks and then come the last 4 weeks here in LA,” he stated.

Pacquiao kicked off his light workout sessions in his hometown last week, doing roadwork and other physical exercises such as basketball. – Rappler.com