Pacquiao sets GenSan training for Algieri bout

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—Boxing Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach has nothing to worry about.

Eight-division champion Manny Pacquiao said his entire training camp in preparation for his Nov. 23 ring encounter with American boxer Chris Algieri will be held here.

This should be good news for Roach, who had earlier earlier expressed concern over Pacquiao’s foray into the world of basketball.

Roach had hoped Pacquiao would train here exclusively to avoid the distractions of his entry into professional basketball.

Pacquiao had already signified his intention to join the Philippine Basketball Association Draft late this month.

The Sarangani lawmaker was previously hired as coach by KIA Motors, one of the three PBA expansion teams.

He, however, assured his diehard fans that boxing remains his top priority.

“Basketball is my first love but boxing is my bread and butter,” Pacquiao said. “It’s a matter of time management. I’ve been doing multi-tasking before and this job as playing-coach of a basketball team is no longer new.”

This is the second time the world boxing icon would be training camp in the city. Pacquiao also trained here for his fight against Brandon “Bambam” Rio.