By Mark Vester
According to a report in the Manila Bulletin, trainer Freddie Roach has ordered the sparring partners of Manny Pacquiao to be rough with the Filipino champion. Glen Tapia and Michael Medina have been told to come as close as possible to imitating the bxoing style of Antonio Margarito, who faces Pacquiao on November 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Both Roach and Alex Ariza, Pacquaio's conditioning coach, expect a very rough and physical fight. They want Pacquiao to be prepared and used to a much bigger fighter coming in there and pushing his weight around.
“It’s going to be very physical,” said Alex Ariza.
Roach wants Pacquiao to stay on the move at all times. He doesn't want Margarito to ever pin Pacquiao against the ropes. Medina and Tapia will attempt to get Pacquaio to the ropes and keep him there. Roach has ordered for Pacquiao's sparring sessions to be closed off from the public and the media. He doesn't want anyone to see how Pacquiao avoids the big shots of Margarito, while at the same time countering to the body of the bigger man.
“Manny doesn’t have to take blows from this guy,” said Roach.
