Pacquiao slowly begins getting into shape for Horn bout

Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao AFP FILE PHOTO

Training camp won’t open until early May, but already Manny Pacquiao is in preparation mode.

The eight-division world champion has added jogging to his daily routine of playing basketball to whip himself into shape.

After going one round around the grounds of Forbes Park Tuesday, Pacquiao went two rounds Wednesday, according to Aquiles Zonio, Pacquiao’s spokesperson.

The Fighting Senator, who’ll be dangling his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown against Australian Jeff Horn on July 2 in Brisbane, also did abdominal exercises.

Like in his last few fights, Pacquiao is expected to train for eight weeks, a bulk of which will be held in Manila at night owing to his legislative duties.

Assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez, with assistance from Nonoy Neri and Haplas Fernandez, will supervise the early part of Pacquiao’s training centered on physical conditioning.

Once Pacquiao is in shape, chief trainer Freddie Roach will fly in to take over the crucial training phase, likely to be held in Gen. Santos City.

Team Pacquiao will go to Brisbane late June, the length depending on the prevailing climate in the capital of Australia’s state of Queensland.