By Luis Sandoval
Manny Pacquiao’s recent transformation and devotion to his faith is no secret. Whether you watched 24/7: Road to Pacquiao-Bradley or read the countless reports about Pacquiao being against gay marriage due to his religious beliefs, you understand he’s turned a new leaf.
Long gone are the late nights of playing pool and drinking for Manny. In a recent episode of 24/7, you find out he has even begun teaching bible study. Some might be concerned if this will in anyway affect Pacquiao when he steps in the ring. In fact head trainer Freddie Roach actually had those same concerns but assured Manny will be the same Manny on June 9th.
“You know he’s doing really well. The thing is, I was afraid a little bit about him maybe being too soft being with God and so forth. I heard comments of God not wanting him to hurt people and so forth but he punched the sh*t out of me yesterday! So he had no problems on the mitts” said Freddie Roach as he was overcome with laughter.
“So he’d doing well. His sparring partners are getting beat up a little bit so he’s focusing very good”.
Pacquiao’s opponent Timothy Bradley started off as a long shot to win their fight but now more and more people are starting to think Bradley may give Manny all he can handle. Some are even picking Bradley to defeat him.
Roach still believes Pacquiao will not only be victorious but also feels that Bradley is the type of opponent Manny needs.
“Timothy [Bradley] is a little mad at me because I talk sh*t sometimes but he’s a tough guy, a tough opponent” said Roach as he chuckled. “But I think he’s made to order for us and I think Manny’s going to look real good in this fight”.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @Truewest007. You can also tune in to The Boxing Lab, Boxingscene’s official audio show every Tuesday from 6-8PM PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval, and Ryan Burton.