By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Rafael Mendoza, the manager of former two-time world super bantamweight champion Oscar Larios said yesterday that Larios “is like a horse training for the Kentucky Derby.”
In a telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today shortly after his arrival, Mendoza said Larios had trained for two months and they were confident he would beat Filipino ring idol and national treasure Manny Pacquiao. Larios is arriving on Sunday contrary to the erroneous information from Relly De Leon of MP Promotions who announced on Wednesday that Larios was arriving yesterday.
Mendoza said his confidence stemmed from the fact that Larios was a fighter who had “responsibility, who has been training and who has determination. You always go into the ring confident you are going to win.” However, Mendoza paid tribute to Pacquiao saying “he is a very good professional fighter with good speed and good power. But this is a big opportunity for Larios and we believe he’s gonna win.”
Mendoza said he was informed that Larios was training very hard and everything was okay although he expects “a tough fight.” Respected international referee Bruce McTavish informed Manila Standard Today that he had been informed by journalist Joe Koizumi that WBC bantamweight champion Hozumi Hasegawa’s upcoming title defense had to be called off because Hazegawa suffered a rib injury. However, McTavish was not sure whether it was caused by Larios with whom the Japanese world champion sparred in Tokyo.
Pacquiao’s close friend and confidant Rex ”Wakee” Salud said Pacquiao had a great workout yesterday and was so eager he wanted to fight Larios today. Salud said Pacquiao had recovered from jet lag and the late night caused by his movie premier on Tuesday which also upset trainer Freddie Roach. Salud also disclosed that Larios’ camp wanted Mexican gloves which means they will use Cleto Reyes gloves which Roach describes as “a punchers gloves” and should be to the advantage of Pacquiao.
Roach said the final day of real sparring would be at an undisclosed location today although Pacquiao will also strut his wares in a press-public preview next week. Roach said Pacquiao was in bed early Wednesday night and did his roadwork at 5:30 yesterday morning. Roach said “we are right back on schedule.”
