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LOS ANGELES, USA – Manny Pacquiao’s opponent isn’t Keith Thurman, but himself.
The eight-division world champion told this to Philippine media after his training session at Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood over the weekend.
“Ang kalaban ni Manny Pacquiao ay ‘yung sarili lang niya (Manny Pacquiao’s opponent is only himself),” said Pacquiao.
Of course, Pacquiao isn’t belittling Thurman, who’s staking the World Boxing Association super welterweight crown against the fighting senator on Saturday, July 20 (Sunday, July 21, Manila time).
What Pacquiao means is the outcome will depend on the amount of effort he puts in training.
His mantra: Train hard, fight easy.
No wonder, as early as last week, the coaching staff headed by Buboy Fernandez declared Pacquiao ready to fight.
Pacquiao said he could fight Thurman anytime and is quite impatient there’s still one week before their pay-per-view bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The reason why he attained optimum form early, according to Pacquiao, is he started training early.
“We trained as early as May. Then one month we ran at Griffith Park. It was a long run, we circled the mountain,” he said.
Pacquiao added it was typical of the way he prepares for an important fight. He feels happy with what he does and gets motivated.
As for the insults being hurled against him by Thurman, Pacquiao said he isn’t angry.
“Whatever he says. Allow him to be talkative. Ang ilog na mababaw, maingay ‘yan eh (Shallow waters are noisy).”
Whether he can knock out the unbeaten Thurman (29-0, 22 knockouts), Pacquiao said he couldn’t say.
But with the way he sparred with AB Lopez and Jessie Roman for 3 rounds last Saturday, July 13, those present were convinced the knockout is forthcoming.
He was light on his feet and heavy with his punches during the mitts session with lead trainer Fernandez.
He was also in a jovial mood – showing basketball moves and singing with those in attendance the classic hit “Sweet Caroline.”
Pacquiao is at peace with himself. – Rappler.com
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