MANILA, Philippines—Worried that Manny Pacquiao’s strategy against Antonio Margarito might leak to the Mexican’s camp, Freddie Roach Friday said the Filipino superstar will train behind closed doors in Baguio starting Monday.
“We will need isolation because we don’t want the whole world to see our game plan unfold,” the celebrated American trainer said. “We’ve got the basic game plan down, we’ve got to protect it now.”
At the same time, Roach said “road work is the key” for Pacquiao, who needs to be in great shape for his Nov. 13 showdown with Margarito for the vacant WBC super welterweight title at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“Manny executes since he doesn’t get tired,” Roach said. “If you get tired, you can’t execute. He is executing for 12 rounds because he’s in great shape. That’s his bread and butter.”
For his part, the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter said he’s 50 percent ready for his unprecedented quest for an eighth title in as many weight divisions.
“We have enough time to get into 100 percent condition,” Pacquiao said.
Roach said Pacquiao’s training in Manila will end today before they drive up to Baguio City on Sunday.
He said he gave in to Pacquiao’s request to stay in Manila for the week because it “would be good for the mental aspect of the training camp.”
He added that his prized fighter had “his best day in the gym” since he arrived in Manila and started working out on Monday at the Johnny Elorde gym in Quezon City.
Mixed martial arts champion Georges St. Pierre, who has been trained by Roach in the past, showed up at the gym and watched Pacquiao do the punch-mitts for 10 rounds.
St. Pierre, the UFC welterweight champ, said Pacquiao “is the fastest fighter in the world and if I step in the ring after him I’ll look like an old man.”
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