Manny Pacquiao sparred for 12 rounds Saturday and, at a ripe 39 years old, looks ready for his quest for an unprecedented 11th world title as he mixes it up with World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse on July 15 at Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur.
“We are right on track,” said long-time friend and chief trainer Buboy Fernandez. “We have two weeks more to go and Manny is ready. We don’t want him to peak too soon.”
On Friday, Pacquiao went back to the steepest hills of Sarangani to highlight another punishing day getting ready for the Argentine.
Pacquiao started slow in the first two rounds against Arnel Tinampay but gained enough momentum and stood toe to toe with Jheritz Chavez from the fifth round to eighth.
Unbeaten Australian George Kambosos Jr. tested Pacquiao in a simulation of the last three rounds.
The only eight-weight division champion, Pacquiao is headlining “Fight of Champions.”
Pacquiao’s own MP Promotions has assembled three other world championship matches.
Tickets are being sold at the venue or through myticket.asia.
Philippine boxing fans can purchase through www.SMtickets.com.