Pacquiao wraps up training regimen
KUALA LUMPUR—The plan was to prevent Manny Pacquiao from exerting too much energy beyond Wednesday. But on Friday the 13th, Pacquiao got dressed for training and his camp members automatically scampered for their respective gears as well.
Less than 48 hours before he attempts to knock the World Boxing Association welterweight crown off Lucas Matthysse’s head, Pacquiao showed up at a makeshift gym at the Le Meridien.
Fearing that Pacquiao might burn himself out, his trainers were glad the 39-year-old eight-division champion opted to play it nice and easy, leaving everyone of them heaving a sigh of relief.
Australian conditioning coach Jus-
tin Fortune had earlier hinted that Pacquiao might decide to train on the day he is supposed to be relaxing.
“That’s the plan but executing that plan is a different matter,” said Fortune, who turned out to be prophetic.
The last training session turned out to be an exchange of ideas—last-minute pointers—before their boss heads into battle for what is being described as a crossroads fight.
During in-between rounds with Fernandez on the mitts, Pacquiao spoke with Fortune, Dodong Donaire and Jonathan Peñalosa, one by one, asking them point-blank what they thought.
The ambience was light save for the brief conversations that took place in between rounds.
If there was doubt that Pacquiao was not as motivated going into the Matthysse showdown, it was dispelled
by all the power punches that he threw.
The pads that Fernandez wore produced a sickening thud every time from shotgun-like right jabs landing squarely.
The same frightful sound came out when Pacquiao struck with his left uppercut and straight.
Pacquiao’s face even took on a menacing form each time he displayed how to throw and connect the blows as his trainers and those allowed to see him work out watched in awe at the showcase of punching prowess in their midst.
Meanwhile, the official weigh-in will be held Saturday morning at the Mitec International Trade and Exhibition Center, about 12 kilometers from Pacquiao’s official residence at KL Sentral.
Both fighters are expected to make the 147-lb limit.