By Mark Vester
How tough is Manny Pacquiao's training camp in the Philippines? According to The Philippine Star, trainer Freddie Roach has put a bounty on his own fighter. Roach has offered $1,000 to any sparring partner if they are able to knock Pacquiao down. During some recent sparring at the Shape Up Gym in Baguio City, sparring partners Shawn Porter and Urbano Antillon tried to their best to collect. Roach wants to make sure that Pacquiao's sparring partners are giving him the best work possible. Pacquiao is training for his November 14 bout with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.
Roach told the paper that Pacquiao was hit with some very hard shots but he did very well.
“He took some real hard shots but overall it was a good workout,” said Roach.
Former champion Jose Luis Castillo is scheduled to arrive on Thursday to provide additional sparring to Pacquiao. Roach says the former champ will spar with Manny on Saturday.
“If he does [arrive], then he spars with Manny on Saturday,” said Roach.
The paper says Porter, an unbeaten junior middleweight with a massive amateur background, has been very tough on Pacquiao during their sparring sessions. He told the paper that Pacquiao has been awesome in the ring.
“I think Manny’s speed, quickness and power and all that would take care of the whole match for him. He’s quick. He’s very quick,” said Porter. "One of the best workouts I’ve ever had. I know he’s the best of the best, and he’ll shock the world again I think."
Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com