By Chris Robinson
Just days before he was set to head out to the Philippines to help assist Manny Pacquiao in training for his November 13th clash with Antonio Margarito, New Jersey’s Glen Tapia was a man full of curiosity. A long time fan of the Filipino star, Tapia seemed to realize just how surreal the moment was for his blossoming career. I talked to the Passaic native about his ubringing in life and his learning lessons in the sport of boxing and he became an easy man to root for after taking in our ten minute conversation.
Tapia, a 7-0 junior middleweight with 5 knockouts and over 100 amateur victories, was brought in by Las Vegas-based Top Rank’s Carl Moretti because of his youth and physical nature. Speaking from his end, Tapia revealed that his respect for Pacquiao ran deep and that he was truly happy for everything that the 31-year old had accomplished yet at the same time he knew fully well that the real work lied ahead.
After arriving to the Philippines to a warm welcoming, Tapia would first work out with Pacquiao on Monday, September 20th at the Elorde Gym in Baguio City. A minor foot injury to Pacquiao would push back their sparring session but reports have leaked that the two men finally worked together for four rounds on Thursday.
Asked of his assessment of sparring with somewhat of an idol, Tapia revealed that it was ‘great work’ while also offering up a slight forewarning to Pacquiao rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. and others near the weight class.
“They should be scared,” Tapia said when speaking to the media. “We already knew he’s fast and has power, and he has good foot speed. That’s what people don’t know, he’ll throw his punches and turn and then he will hit you some more.”
So far the reports are mixed as to how Pacquiao’s first sparring session played out, as Tapia obviously seemed to be in awe while various outlets have reported that Pacquiao had a little bit of a rough time, as he is still rusty after not having been in the ring for nearly seven months following his March decision over Joshua Clottey in Arlington, Texas.
Trainer Freddie Roach revealed that Pacquiao will be sparring with 6 foot junior middleweight Michael Medina soon while noting that the work he got from Tapia was exactly what he needed. The intensity has definitely kicked up a notch in camp and that seems to be just what Pacquiao must have in order to be in tip top shape for Margarito in less than six weeks.
Chris Robinson is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. An archive of his work can be found here , and he can be reached at Trimond@aol.com
