PACQUIAO BREAKS CAMP, HEADS TO LAS VEGAS
HOLLYWOOD – Manny Pacquiao is begging for a few more rounds of sparring when Saturday’s fourround session was supposed to be the last.
Freddie Roach knows what to expect.
“He’ll try,” said Roach of Pacquiao, a certified workaholic, and often likened to the bunny that keeps going and going and going.
Pacquiao sparred four rounds with New York-based amateur Arnold Gonzalez last Saturday, and gave his all.
“Sparring is over. That’s it,” said Roach.
Pacquiao, however, is due for a short gym session Monday noon before he motors to Las Vegas for fight week.
Adrien Broner, the challenger, is already in Sin City.
If he could have his way, Roach would rather have Pacquiao rest Monday, and head to Vegas without going to the gym.
“He can go out for a run and then go home and then we head to Vegas. But he wants a light workout on Monday,” said the American trainer.
“He said, ‘Can I spar on Monday?’” said Roach. “And I said, ‘No,’” he added. Sunday was a slow day for Pacquiao, who attended church service then treated close to a hundred to lunch at a Japanese restaurant.
He welcomed his supporters to his home near Hancock Park, including former NBA star Metta World Peace (formerly Ron Artest).
Before the day ended, he finalized the room assignments and distributed the keys to those joining him in Las Vegas. A 55-seater bus will carry the bulk of Team Pacquiao.
The reigning WBA welterweight champion will join his family in a customized Mercedes Benz van.
Monday signals the end of training camp.
Pacquiao will beg for a couple more rounds of sparring.
“If he negotiates, I won’t win,” said Roach. Former NBA star Metta World Peace a.k.a. Ron Artest and his son Jeron flank Filipino Manny Pacquiao at the latter’s home in Los Angeles Sunday.