Pacquiao applies brake in training

Manny Pacquiao. AP FILE PHOTO

Having reached the apex of his training, Manny Pacquiao started to apply the brakes in sparring last night under the coaxing of Freddie Roach.

From a high of 10 rounds with Jose Ramirez and Leonardo Doronio last Saturday, Pacquiao settled for eight this time with the same partners at the Elorde Gym near Mall of Asia.

Pacquiao, who is gunning for Jessie Vargas’ World Boxing Organization welterweight crown on Nov. 5 in Las Vegas, spent four rounds with the unbeaten Ramirez and put in four more against Doronio to the delight of an adoring throng.

The eight-division champion then did the mitts with Hall-of-Fame trainer Roach, who expressed delight with Pacquiao’s physical condition, four days before they fly off to Los Angeles to wrap up preparations  at Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.

Roach believes Pacquiao will beat Vargas impressively, paving the way for another megabuck fight for the first incumbent senator to seek a world title next year.

Oddsmakers have installed Pacquiao a huge 9-1 favorite, with Vargas relishing the underdog tag.