Pacquiaos camp starts on Monday

MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao has decided to leave for Baguio only this Sunday with his training camp to officially open the next day followed by a sparring session Tuesday. No reason was given why Pacquiao changed his original plan to proceed to Baguio after the final congressional session of the week late Wednesday, but American trainer Freddie Roach said he was not the least worried.

“As long as we get there before Sunday as that will be a rest day, the official camp opens on Monday and Tuesday is the first day of sparring,” said Roach. Pacquiao trained for the third straight day at the Johnny Elorde gym and Roach said he’s impressed by the strength of the pound-for-pound king. “His power is unbelievable,” said Roach of Pacquiao who will seek an unprecedented eighth title in eight different weight divisions on Nov. 13 against Antonio Margarito at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Roach said he felt Pacquiao’s body shots despite the protective body guard he wore during  yesterday’s training session.  “I feel them even though I wear the pads. They don’t help that much.” he said. The sparring partners who arrived with Roach—light middleweights Michael Medina and Glen Tapia—said they are eager to spar with Pacquiao and get him into shape for the  WBC super welterweight duel with Margarito. Photo by Francis T.J. Ochoa