Fight plan shaping up; Pacquiao plans early assault

HOLLYWOOD—The assault will begin as soon as the bell rings.

This was the focal point of Manny Pacquiao’s master plan in his mission to end Floyd Mayweather’s pound-for-pound reign on May 2 in Las Vegas.

“He’ll start strongly,” assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez told the Inquirer in Filipino Monday. “And if he sees the opening, then he’ll intensify the bombardment.”

Fernandez, however, doubts whether Mayweather will really fight Pacquiao toe-to-toe.

“I think he’s going to run,” added Fernandez. “But it would be a lot better if Mayweather chooses to stand his ground.”

Either way, Pacquiao will be ready to launch pursuit operations.

“That’s why we’re focusing on his foot movement,” said Fernandez. “We don’t know how long will he be chasing Mayweather, so we better be ready.”

Pacquiao has increased his running, especially going uphill at Griffith Park, to build his stamina.

Pacquiao will resume sparring Tuesday after skipping last week’s three sessions.

Focus will be on fine-tuning Pacquiao’s footwork, which is vital to his quest of toppling Mayweather from his lofty perch at the boxing ladder.

According to Fernandez, three spar mates are on stand by to simulate Mayweather’s movements for at least 10 rounds in the afternoon session which is off-limits to fans and the media.

“It’s too early to go 12 rounds,” said Fernandez. “But, for sure, he’ll spar around 100 rounds total.”

Fernandez also confirmed Pacquiao’s announcement last Friday that a “secret weapon” is being developed for his 12-round showdown with Mayweather at MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Fernandez, who watched a tape of Mayweather’s fight with former World Boxing Association light welterweight champion Sharmba Mitchell on Nov. 19, 2005, did not divulge any details.

Mitchell, a lefty, was counted out in the sixth round when Mayweather caught him with a body blow.

Fernandez hinted though that it was not a single punch that they are working on, but a combination, or a series of combinations intended to make Mayweather drop his guard and force him to the ropes.

Fernandez hopes this will give Pacquiao the chance to overwhelm Mayweather with volume punching.

“It will involved both the left and right hands,” said Fernandez. “There will be synchronized movement.”

For more updates on Pacquiao-Mayweather “Fight of the Century,” visit The Pacquiao Files.