Pacquiao undergoes muscle-building process
GENERAL SANTOS CITY: A 45- minute plyometric exercises highlighted Manny Pacquiao’s training schedule Wednesday in the hope of providing the eightdivision champion the needed muscle explosion his trainers said he needs in his coming fight with Argentine World Boxing Association welterweight titleholder Lucas Matthysse next week.
The process saw the Filipino fighting senator sprinted, jumped, skipped and hopped over the box, hit the big, heavy medicine ball, which strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune said would strengthen his body muscles.
The day’s schedule came as a relief to the 39- year- old comebacking World Boxing Organization 147- pound belt- owner following Thursday’s reduced but still heavy heavier sparring sessions.
Only two of the erstwhile three- man sparring team were in hand though to continue providing Pacquiao the ring atmosphere he missed for more than a year since losing his WBA title July last year.
They were Australian George Kambosos Jr. and Philippine junior welterweight titlist Jerich Chavez. Middleweight Arnel Tinampay flew back to Manila for his coming fight next week.
As in the previous dancing sessions, Pacquiao wowed the crowd, including long- time pal, Navotas Congressman Toby Tiangco, anew with his speed and punching power.
Kambosos, who looks and fights like Matthysse provided the offensive quality the defending champion is expected to dish out, while Chavez the defensive clout.
“He’s ( Manny) okay, Keeps improving and improving as the days passed,” Kambosos said by way of assessing Pacquiao’s progress. “He’s getting faster and faster.”
Pacquiao and “La Maquina” erase each other out in their 12- round titular meeting July 15 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The regular gym activities were still scheduled Wednesday afternoon although chief trainer Buboy Fernandez said he was inclined to give his bosom friend a respite should he asked for it.
“Medyomabigatangpinagdaanankaninaatmay kabigatandinbukas ( Thursday) ang sparring. Puwedeng mag- relax muna, He needs it. Atpatikami naman, ” Buboy reasoned out. Manny Pacquiao shows his ripped physique after an intense training session at the Pacman Wildcard Gym in General Santos City.