New spar mate for Pacquiao

FILE – Philippine boxing hero Manny Pacquiao trains at a gym in General Santos City, on the southern island of Mindanao on October 24, 2013 ahead of his upcoming bout with US boxer Brandon Rios in Macau on November 24. Pacquiao says he is furiously training like a 20-year-old to break a losing streak and re-establish his reputation as one of the world’s best fighters. AFP

GENERAL SANTOS City — Ghislain Madumba, a Congolese fighter based in Canada, arrived here Sunday to serve as Manny Pacquiao’s sparring partner in his preparation for a third showdown with Timothy Bradley on April 9 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

The 31-year-old Madumba, who represented Congo in the 2007 World Championships and is a five-time Quebec (Canada) champion, holds a 19-2 record with 11 knockouts. He stands 5-foot-7 and has a style similar to that of Bradley.

A natural light welterweight, Madumba, who was recommended by Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz, will start sparring with Pacquiao on Tuesday.

After taking a rest Sunday, Pacquiao will resume training Monday. He is expected to go the extra mile after skipping gym work Saturday afternoon.