By Ronnie Nathanielsz
EIGHT division world champion Manny Pacquiao has vowed to pursue undefeated pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the ring when they clash in a multi-million dollar welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas in May 2.
Pacquiao whose hand-speed and punching power are believed to be his edge over the highly skilled Mayweather said his training has been geared for him to be in the best shape of his life for the biggest fight of is career. He doesn’t plan to let it slip.
Pacquiao said he will chase Mayweather around the ring if he has to pointing out that “he can run but he can’t hide.”
With celebrated Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach marking his 55th birthday in Macau where he is hoping two-time Olympic gold medalist Zou Shiming will win the IBF flyweight title when he battles Thai champion Amnat Ruenroeng on Mar. 7, Pacquiao’s childhood friend and assistant trainer Restituto “Buboy” Fernandez is handling the training along with strength and conditioning coach and former world heavyweight contender Justin Fortune.
During their punch-mitts session at the Fortune Gym in Los Angeles on Wednesday, it was reported that Fernandez was often dazed because of the non-stop barrage of punches from Pacquiao who also suffered a cut on his mouth.
Fernandez said Pacquiao’s punches were sharper and stronger than in the past and he believes that Pacquiao will eventually break down Mayweather’s defense with his ability to throw powerful, rapid-fire punches.
Pacquiao himself was not bothered by reports of a cheap shot taken by Mayweaher’s handler Al Haymon who was alleged to have offered Pacquiao’s sparring partners who were capable of imitating Mayweather’s style more money just to stay away.
AFP quoted Pacquiao who said “It’s okay. I’m not bothered. Coach Freddie [Roach] had already hired a few sparring partners,” who are capable of duplicating Mayweather’s style.
