Mexican camp says Pacquiao on a skid

LOS ANGELES — After checking in at the Wilshire Grand Hotel late Wednesday evening, Hector Velazquez lost no time talking about his chances against Manny Pacquiao.

Though he doesn’t speak English, Velazquez was quick to the draw, saying he’s prepared long and hard for the fight scheduled for 12 rounds Saturday at the Staples Center.

Through Ricardo Torres, his trainer, manager and interpreter rolled into one, the stone-faced Mexican said he’s out to give the Filipino southpaw a big run for his money.

Torres said he believes that Pacquiao is not in tip-top condition and, in fact, is on a slide since knocking out Marco Antonio Barrera in San Antonio, Texas, in November of 2003.

Torres made the thumbs-down sign in saying that Pacquiao didn’t appear as good and as strong in his last two fights – a draw with Juan Manuel Marquez and a loss to Erik Morales.

On the contrary, Torres said Velazquez is in great shape, doing 150 rounds of sparring in two months of training. Pacquiao squeezed close to a hundred in a month.

"He’s a very talented boxer and he’s very strong. But I’ve been preparing for this for a long time – all my life. And I feel that I’m ready for the challenge," said Velazquez.

With his ring record of 42 wins, 10 losses and three draws, Velazquez actually has nothing to lose in this fight as compared to Pacquiao who’s eyeing a big rematch with Morales.

"He said he has prepared himself very well and he feels very strong. He feels he’s going to give Pacquiao a good fight," said another Mexican interpreter.

Velazquez took a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Tijuana, Mexico, to the Wilshire Grand located in downtown LA. The final press conference is set at the same hotel Thursday morning.

"He is confident – physically and mentally. He is ready," added Torres before ushering in his ward to his hotel room for a much-needed rest.

Velazquez gamely posed for photographs while being interviewed at the hotel lobby. He was smiling at times although he appeared tired from the road trip.

While Velazquez stayed in the hotel, Pacquiao was holed out in his $4,000-a-month apartment at the La Brea area, which is close to 30 minutes off the downtown area.

Pacquiao held a short training session at the Wild Card Gym in the afternoon then went home to relax. He then went to the aiport to picke up his wife, Jinkee who arrived after a 12-hour flight from Manila.

After the workout, Pacquiao tipped the scales at 131 lbs, barely making the 130 lbs limit with still three days to go. Velazquez appeared to be the taller and heavier fighter.

The official weigh-in is scheduled Friday. American’s Pat Russel and Marty Samon, and Mexican Alejandrino Rochin will be the judges while California’s Lou Moret will be the referee.