MACAU—OK, there’s no chance of Chris Algieri winning here, but is there a way the tall, unbeaten American pretty boy could at least finish on his feet until the final bell against Manny Pacquiao?
This was asked of trainer Freddie Roach, who dropped by the media center here shortly before lunch for a brief huddle with Manila-based newsmen yesterday.
“Impossible!” Roach roared.
The famous trainer said he has been amazed at how Pacquiao continued to display incredible motivation since the first day of training for today’s title defense.
The zeal increased by the day.
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Roach yesterday also brought up a disturbing incident during the rules meeting wherein the Algieri camp tried to question his manner of taping Pacquiao’s fists, by putting a piece of rolled-up tape between the fingers to hold up the pad. Roach claimed this handwrap style has been accepted since the (Oscar) De La Hoya fight.
“It’s crazy, I just hope the commission disregards this,” he said, adding he would try to eject the protesters from the dugout if they tried to create a scene.
Roach said Pacquiao has reached an unshakeable plateau wherein the national boxing superhero’s sharp focus cannot be clouded.
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This is the same Pacquiao he has been working on, Roach explained, but claimed there’s something mysterious behind the champion’s motivation.
“Nothing of this sort has ever happened before, I don’t know what drives all this?”
Basketball?
“Yes, why not? It’s probably basketball. It’s simply incredible.”
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Roach continued to be happily mystified.
But after he had left, one Manila-based television news program host reported to the media center to gather bits on Pacquiao.
Was there enough information offered by Pacquiao himself?
“He just kept driving on a single point, Divine Guidance, without touching on boxing.”
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Did he refuse to talk about the fight at all?
“Not really, but he often seemed in a trance, pointing only to God’s help and guidance in the championship bout.”
But he has always been like that since he has turned into a Born-Again Christian.
“But it’s something eerie and mysterious, he seemed to talk through a holy haze.”
Don’t you think he’s been possessed?
“It’s hard to deny that.”
Blessed Sunday to all. God bless the Philippines.