Pacquiao training set in new Toril gymnasium

A NEW gym bearing his name is the likely venue for Manny Pacquiao’s early training in his comeback fight against Mexican Brandon Rios on Nov. 24 in Macau.

The yet to be inaugurated MP Boxing Gym, built by Filipino trainer Nonoy Neri with assistance from the eight-division world champion,  was given the green light by Pacquiao himself when he visited the 600-square meter  facility in Toril District, Davao City, last week.

Neri, who doubles as Pacquiao’s personal cook during his training camps, told the Inquirer yesterday that Sarangani’s lone representative was impressed with the gym, which boasts two rings, complete boxing equipment and is quite secluded. To top it all, the gym has an air-conditioned room exclusively for Pacquiao.

According to Neri, Pacquiao wants to start his preparations for Rios (31 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, 23 KOs) in September either in Toril or in Gen. Santos City.

Neri hooked up with Pacquiao in GenSan yesterday and was impressed with the physical condition of the three-time Fighter of the Year, who is aiming to rebound from a sixth round knockout loss to Mexican rival Juan Manuel Marquez last December.

“He (Pacquiao) appears to be lighter and in much better shape than before,” Neri said. “Maybe it’s because he sleeps early now and plays basketball almost everyday.”

Meanwhile, boxing promoter Rex Wakee Salud told the Inquirer yesterday that the Rios fight is sure to make “everybody happy, because no one will dare to run.”  He said an impressive win by Pacquiao will be his pass ticket for a fifth bout with Marquez.