All out for knockout

Boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines speaks during a news conference at The Wynn Las Vegas on November 2, 2016. Pacquiao will challenge Jessie Vargas of the US for the WBO Welterweight Championship on November 5 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. / AFP PHOTO / John GURZINSKI

LAS VEGAS—Manny Pacquiao isn’t at all surprised by Jessie Vargas’ hollow boasts.

As a seasoned fighter, he knows what’s going through the champion’s mind on Wednesday, just three days before they clash for the World Boxing Organization welterweight belt.

“I’ve been there. I know what he’s feeling,” said the eight-division world champion seeking to regain the 147-pound crown for the third time.

Pacquiao stopped short of saying that Vargas is getting over-anxious or nervous, however.

“Some fighters, they can think more than they can do,” said Pacquiao, noting that a body’s reaction may not be what it has set out to accomplish.

Advantages

Meaning, Vargas may not be able to back his words with deeds when fight night comes Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at Thomas & Mack Center here.

Speaking during the mini press conference Wednesday, the 37-year-old Pacquiao also dismissed Vargas’ apparent advantages in age (10 years younger), height (4 inches) and reach (4 inches).

“I’ve beaten taller guys before, so it doesn’t really count,” said Pacquiao, who is 5-foot-6.

According to Pacquiao, bidding to become the first incumbent senator to win a world title in any sport, an advantage will be useless if not properly employed.

Only when one used an advantage correctly will it be a plus factor.

Pacquiao cited his collision with Antonio Margarito in 2010 in Texas as prime example.

At 5-11, Margarito dwarfed Pacquiao by five inches and outweighed him by 17 pounds on fight night.

“Margarito is taller than me but he didn’t use it [correctly]. He’s coming inside but I’m going away.”
After ending his gym work with a light workout at Top Rank Gym Wednesday afternoon, he’s ready to put what he’d practice to good use.

Pacquiao said he feels better now than when he trounced Tim Bradley last April 12.

That time, Pacquiao was still hesitant to push ahead, merely testing how his repaired left shoulder, injured during his fight with Mayweather, will respond.

Now that Pacquiao knows that it’s healed completely, he intends to use it extensively against Vargas.

Though installed as a heavy favorite (-700 against Vargas’ +500), Pacquiao said he won’t underestimate Vargas, who is also a former World Boxing Association super lightweight light titlist.

The figures mean that a P700 bet on Pacquiao will yield just P100, while a P100 wager on Vargas will net P500.

Pacquiao didn’t promise to knock Vargas out.

The way he’d been pounding the bags, banging the mitts, and hitting the speed ball, however, belies his intentions.

He’d go all out for knockout No. 39, not just his 59th win, against six losses and two draws on Saturday.
By then, Vargas will know what he’s gotten into.