Manny Pacquaio acknowledges fans and supporters before leaving Wild Car Gym Friday. Photo by Roy Luarca
HOLLYWOOD—Manny Pacquiao wanted to train, but Freddie Roach deemed it wise to give his prized ward a break Friday (Saturday in Manila).
The eight-division world champion reported at Roach’s Wild Card Gym here in the afternoon for the daily grind of training camp for his third showdown with Timothy Bradley on April 9 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao was already gearing up in the dressing room when Roach noticed that he wasn’t his usual vibrant self.
Having been with the reigning Fighter of the Decade for over 15 years, Roach knew and felt that the arduous ascent to Griffith Park in the morning and the short rest he had afterwards had taken its toll on Pacquiao.
“He was a little tired when I saw him in the dressing room,” said Roach. “So there’s no sense (to proceed with training).”
Roach suggested that they call the day off and Pacquiao, who rarely cancels training, reluctantly agreed.
To make sure the training day isn’t wasted, however, they decided to just review their plans and strategies for the pay-per-view bout against the former World Boxing Organization welterweight champion.
Bradley gave up his crown for the chance to prove that he can stand up to Pacquiao and fatten his bank account by at least $6 million.
Though Bradley officially won their first fight in 2012 by split decision, the general perception, which was later affirmed by a panel of international judges who reviewed the fight, was that Pacquiao should have been declared the winner.
In their 2014 rematch, Pacquiao emerged the clear victor and Bradley readily conceded defeat.
For the third fight, Bradley is pining for a definitive victory and for recognition as a five-time world champion.
But Pacquiao is determined to leave the boxing ring with a bang and promises a virtuoso performance on fight night.
“Pinagpahinga ako (I was made to rest),” Pacquiao told Manila-based sportswriters before leaving on a black luxury car driven by friend Abbas Ahmadi, who owns Mitsubishi dealerships in the East Coast.
“He’s fine, no problem,” said Roach. “He’d spar for eight rounds tomorrow.”