No weight issue in official weigh-in
LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao can have a Big Mac for breakfast and still not worry about
official weigh-in Friday (Saturday in Manila) at the MGM Grand.
Pacquiao, who said he was around 150 lb a week ago, tipped the scales at 146 lb before
showing up at the Top Rank Gym for his final workout.
It means that by the time he left the gym on a hot Thursday afternoon he must be around 143 or 144 lb.
The weight limit for Saturday’s WBO welterweight title clash against Timothy Bradley is at 147, and Pacquiao’s chief trainer said there’s nothing to worry about.
Pacquiao normally goes out for a morning
walk on the day of the weigh-in and eats what
he wants for breakfast. He then skips lunch and
heads to the weigh-in.
“He weighed in a little low today. He was 146 before the workout,” said the five-time Trainer of the Year and an incoming Hall of Famer.
Roach will be inducted to the International
Boxing Hall of Fame on Sunday afternoon, less than 24 hours after Pacquiao battles Bradley at the MGM.
To make sure he gets to Canastota, New York on time, Roach said he rented a plane for $26,000.
Pacquiao has never had any problems with his weight since he moved up to welterweight and defeated Miguel Cotto for the WBO crown in 2009.
Roach said he doesn’t mind if Pacquiao is
under the limit on the eve of the official weigh-in. “That’s better than being heavy,” he said. Pacquiao, according to his trainer, should weigh in at around 145 or 146 lb, and may climb the ring the following day at 148 or 149 lb.
Pacquiao is most comfortable fighting at that weight.
“He normally climbs the ring at 149,” Roach added.
Bradley, young and full of muscles, will surely attract some attention with his Mr. Universe look.
“Tim’s a big guy with a lot of muscles. He may have a lot more trouble making weight than we do,” said Pacquiao’s trainer.
Bradley, the WBO junior-welterweight champion, is moving up in weight to challenge Pacquiao, boxing’s biggest draw.
“Yes, he’s used to fighting at 140 so he won’t have any problem with that (147 lb), too,” he added.
Don’t expect any surprises in the official weigh-in, scheduled at 2:30 p.m., and open to the public.
It’s time to show off those muscles.