2 six-footers as sparmates for Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines–TWO SIX-FOOTERS who can punch will provide Manny Pacquiao the tough sparring he needs in his buildup for his Nov. 13showdown with Mexican Antonio Margarito at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Conditioning expert Alex Ariza said yesterday that Michael Medina, a light middleweight nicknamed “Murder Man” and undefeated Vanes “Nightmare” Martirosyan will be joining the list of sparring partners when Pacquiao opens his training camp in Baguio this week.

“Two guys who can punch for sure” was how Ariza described the two fighters, who were tapped to approximate the height and reach of Margarito which Pacquiao will have to solve in their showdown for the vacant WBC super welterweight title.  

Ariza said Medina has a record of 24 wins against two losses and two draws with 19 knockouts while Martirosyan is 28-0 with 17 knockouts.

He said trainer Freddie  Roach used Medina to prepare Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for his fight against Irishman John Duddy and he proved to be an asset.

“He’s very good. He comes forward, throws lots of punches. He is a strong kid with great conditioning,” Ariza added.

Pacquiao’s other sparring partners are welterweights Rashad Holloway and undefeated Glen Tapia (7-0, 5 KOs), who is scheduled to arrive this morning with Roach.

He said Holloway and Tapia may be used by Roach to prepare Pacquiao for the possibility of “trying to box” against Margarito, who has a five-inch height advantage and a six-inch advantage in reach over the Filipino.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz said Pacquiao would leave for Baguio “either Wednesday after the congressional session or for sure on Thursday morning.” 

He added  that while Pacquiao liked working out at the Johnny Elorde gym in Quezon City  because it was spacious and cool, there were distractions that bothered the Sarangani congressman.