Pacman turns mean, thirsty for victory

Manny Pacquiao trains inside the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California on Saturday afternoon. Pacquiao and Bradley will be fighting for the third time on April 9 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. PHOTO BY REM ZAMORA

HOLLYWOOD — Having been around Manny Pacquiao’s training camp for the Timothy Bradley bout, trainers Marvin Somodio and Nonoy Neri know what the eight-division world champion really feels inside.

When doing abdominal exercises and in-between different drills, Pacquiao usually talks to them and reveal his real intentions.

Pacquiao may have totally committed himself to God, but he also knows that hurting opponents are part of his profession as a boxer.

The reason why Pacquiao appeared so intense and fiery during the mitts session is he wants to regain the meanness in him.

Back to the days when he won’t stop punching upon seeing his opponent wobbling or staggering.

This was in full display against the likes of Oscar de la Hoya, David Diaz and Miguel Cotto, all of whom he stopped in devastating fashion.

The meanness in him disappeared when he tangled with Antonio Margarito and Shanely Mosley, both of whom he allowed to survive the final bell.

According to Somodio, now Freddie Roach’s trusted lieutenant at Wild Card gym, Pacquiao told him: “I’ll go back to being mean.”

Neri, who doubles as Pacquiao’s personal cook in training camp, said the reigning Fighter of the Decade is pounding the heavy bag hard because he wants to let off steam.

“Uhaw na (He’s thirsty). Gigil na (Overeager). He wants to fight now,” said Neri.

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