Manny Pacquiao, of the Philippines, smiles during a workout Wednesday, April 15, 2015, in Los Angeles. Pacquiao is scheduled to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a welterweight boxing match in Las Vegas on May 2. AP
GENERAL SANTOS CITY—It took Congolese fighter Ghislain Muduma just one round of watching Manny Pacquiao in action to assess what kind of fighter the Filipino icon really is.
The Canada-based light welter was in awe after seeing Pacquiao do the mitts with chief trainer Freddie Roach at Wild Card Gym here.
“He’s great with power, legs, everything. He’s a complete fighter,” said the 31-year-old Muduma (17-2 with 11 knockouts).
Muduma arrived last Sunday to serve as Pacquiao’s sparring partner ahead of the Sarangani congressman’s third showdown with Timothy Bradley on April 9 in Las Vegas.
Though he has yet to actually feel the impact of Pacquiao’s punches, Muduma is totally convinced they packed a wallop.
“I think he’ll be able to knock Bradley out,” said Muduma. “I’m honored [to be Pacquiao’s sparmate]. It’s a good story for me to be able to tell that I helped Pacquiao [prepare for] Bradley.”
Roach has given Pacquiao the go-signal to have his first sparring session today.
“Excited,” said Pacquiao. “That’s why I’m conditioning myself.”
Roach has scheduled four rounds, though it will really depend on how Muduma will fare against Pacquiao.