Countdown to showdown: Pacquiao holds open training session
The long road to the mega welterweight showdown between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao is just under two weeks away, after a five-year worldwide wait for both fighters to step into the ring together.
Despite the eagerly-anticipated bout fast approaching, Filipino ‘Pacman’, 7/1 with Coral to win by knock-out or TKO, hasn’t slacked off in his preparations, upping his relentless training regime to make sure he is fully equipped to deal with Mayweather’s threat.
Speaking at a recent training session which was open to members of the media, the eight-division world champion claimed he still has the same aggression and will to win as five years ago, when a matchup with ‘Money’ Mayweather was originally planned.
“Style wise, I am the same fighter I was five years ago. My determination, inspiration and killer instinct is the exact same as it was five or six years ago,” said Pacquiao.
Fancy punching Mayweather in the face? Well, here you go. Manny given speedball punchbag with face of rival on it http://t.co/noVYz0xp1G
— maurice mbai (@mauricembai) April 15, 2015
The current WBO welterweight champion has again been trained under the watchful eye of experienced boxing coach Freddie Roache, who believes his man’s mega fight is an incredible boost for the sport.
“This fight was five years in the making. Promoters should realize that these types of fights are what’s best for boxing and we should have more fights like this. I’m not surprised by the hype surrounding the fight,” said Roache.
Pacquiao, nicknamed ‘the Fighting Pride of the Philippines’, will go into the bout as the underdog, despite his ferocious fighting style and aggressive attacking abilities which are sure to be undefeated Mayweather’s biggest threat to his so far flawless fighting record of 47-0.
“I feel very excited for the fight. I have a lot of sparring partners that are similar to Floyd’s fighting style. We have done well,” continued Pacquiao.
“We know what to expect. I have watched tape on Floyd to make sure that our strategy and technique in training camp is correct.”
A new gift is hanging in Manny Pacquiao's gym: A speedbag with Floyd Mayweather's face on it. http://t.co/JEaqERLxXa pic.twitter.com/wne7W9HoCA
— Complex Sports (@Complex_Sports) April 15, 2015
‘The Filipino Congressman’ entertained more than 300 members of the media from around the boxing world at Roache’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, ahead of what is being dubbed the biggest fight in boxing history against ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd.
During Pacquiao’s media attended session, the 10-time world champion trained with a speed ball that featured an image of his American opponent, much to the amusement of those in attendance. The prolific puncher’s highly-regarded trainer believes his fighter has prepared for the upcoming super showdown more rigorously than any of his other professional bouts.
“I can tell how much this fight means to Manny because he has watched tape on Floyd. Manny has never watched tape on any fighter before,” said Roache.
Las Vegas’ MGM Grand is set to host the long-awaited super battle, with ‘Money’ Mayweather available at 7/1 to secure victory by KO or TKO.
Watch ‘Pacman’ train for his mega fight with Mayweather in Roache’s Hollywood-based gym.
