By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Trainer Freddie Roach has said that the training of Bobby Pacquiao, younger brother of Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao "is right on schedule" but warned that his opponent, former world champion Kevin Kelley cannot be taken lightly in their June 10 battle at famed Madison Square Garden.
Kelley has won his last four fights, two by TKO and one by KO after suffering a fourth round TKO at the hands of reigning super featherweight champion Marco Antonio Barrera on April 12, 2003.
In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today well-known boxing agent and manager of flyweight challenger Diosdado Gabi, Michael Koncz that Roach had warned Bobby Pacquiao he had "to respect Kelley and be cautious of him because he is a former world champion and has got a lot of experience ."
Roach said the 38 year old Kelley who has a ring record of 58-6-2 with 39 knockouts "still has a lot of power adding that "he might be slower than Bobby but is still a dangerous opponent."
Koncz said Pacquiao had "stolen a couple of sparring partners" of his celebrated brother Manny and has been sparring with WBC super bantamweight champion Israel Vasquez and "Ghost" Guerrero. Koncz said Guerrero was a southpaw just like Kelley but noted that Kelley "has a tendency to switch back and forth from southpaw to orthodox."
Konz disclosed he was not worried about Pacquiao’s boxing ability but was concerned about his "conditioning and stamina." Koncz said Pacquiao has been conditioning himself at the LA Fitness gym near his home and spends about 40 minutes a day on the row boat and on strengthening his stomach muscles. He praised the younger Pacquiao’s attitude pointing out that "he hasn’t complained even once and is eager to get to the fitness gym."
