Pacquiao sparring next week

Manny Pacquiao. AFP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao will level up his conditioning regimen next week when he steps into the ring for the first time since dominating Brandon Rios last Nov. 24 in Macau.

Slowly getting into shape, Pacquiao again did the mitts with Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez at Pacman Wild Card Gym Tuesday, according to trusted aide Roger Fernandez.

After doing his routine training sequence, Pacquiao met with sparring partner Lydell Rhodes, who arrived in General Santos City from the United States on Monday afternoon along with his adviser Michael Koncz.

Knowing that the unbeaten Rhodes (19-0, 9 KOs) is still suffering from jet lag, Pacquiao told the Tim Bradley build-alike to take a rest and prepare for next week’s sparring sessions instead.

Pacquiao, who has been doing morning run since returning from the US last week, is looking forward to the training camp designed by chief trainer Freddie Roach for his rematch with Bradley on April 12 in Las Vegas.

In their first duel on June 9, 2012, Bradley eked out a widely lambasted split decision to snare Pacquiao’s WBO welterweight crown.