Pacquiao, Rhodes spar for 1st time

Manny Pacquiao. AFP file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Manny Pacquiao gave chief trainer Freddie Roach a preview of what lies ahead Tuesday, probing the capability of Lydell Rhodes in their first sparring session at Pacman’s Wild Card Gym in General Santos City.

Already well-conditioned, Pacquiao chose to play it lightly against the unbeaten Rhodes (19-0 with nine knockouts) for four rounds and got Roach’s nod of approval.

“Nothing has changed. Boss’ (Pacquiao) speed and stamina are still there,” said Roger Fernandez, a trusted assistant of Pacquiao, in Filipino.

“He may even be stronger now as he plays basketball daily.”

Prior to the sparring session, Pacquiao did the mitts with Roach, who arrived in GenSan Monday morning from Manila and immediately tested the Fighter of the Decade’s level of conditioning with 13 rounds of mitts work.

Also present at the air-conditioned gym were Buboy Fernandez, who supervised Pacquiao’s early conditioning regimen, and Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s adviser.

Rhodes, a Timothy Bradley built-alike who claims to be faster than the unscathed World Boxing Organization welterweight champion, felt Pacquiao’s power when he got tagged at the side of his body.

Pacquiao will try to regain the 147-pound crown from Bradley on April 12 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.