by Edward Chaykovsky
Freddie Roach, trainer of eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38KOs), is expecting a late rounds knockout over Jessie Vargas (27-1, 10KOs).
A few days ago, assistant trainer Jonathan Penalosa, who is the older brother of former world champion Gerry Penalosa, tabbed Pacquiao to knock Vargas out by the fifth round.
Pacquiao will challenge Vargas on November 5th at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Top Rank, who promote both fighters, will handle the pay-per-view.
Vargas captured the title in March when he knocked out unbeaten Sadam Ali to snag the vacant belt. Pacquiao announced his retirement in April after winning a twelve round decision his trilogy with Timothy Bradley. The following month he secured a senatorial seat back home, but then unretired only a few months later.
Because of Pacquiao's duties as a senator, the bulk of the training camp has been held in the Philippines, so he can juggle his political duties with his preparation.
Undefeated Olympian Jose Ramirez, who like Pacquiao is trained by Roach, is giving Manny some hard rounds of sparring in the ongoing training camp in the Philippines. The team will leave for Los Angeles on October 22 to begin the final stage of training camp at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California.
“(Jessie) Vargas is world champion, a real tough guy, a tough fight, young and hungry guy. We have to respect him a lot but I feel Manny will knock him out in the later rounds,” Roach told The Manila Times.
“Manny (Pacquiao) is in his best shape ever and we’re ahead of schedule right now. He is really hungry and he’s doing well in sparring. Last Monday morning, he did a tough roadwork exercise. He ran really hard and I’m happy of what I’ve seen so far.”
