Bobby battles Kelley in acid test

For Bobby Pacquiao, the time has come to step out of his famous brother Manny’s shadow.

But it won’t be easy as the younger Pacquiao takes on grizzled veteran Kevin (The Flushing Flash) Kelley in his toughest test yet at the Madison Square Garden in New York this morning (Manila time).

Pacquiao, 25, is staking the World Boxing Council (WBC) Continental Americas superfeatherweight title he took from Carlos Navarro on a seventh round knockout in Friant, California, last year.

Kelley, 38, is no spring chicken with a record of 58-6-2, including 39 KOs, compared to Pacquiao’s 26-11-3, including 11 KOs. Experience will be on his side as Kelley has been a pro since 1988 when Pacquiao was only seven years old. Kelley has fought the likes of world champions Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Jesus Salud, Derrick Gainer, Naseem Hamed, Gregorio Vargas and Alejandro (Cobrita) Gonzalez.

Pacquiao, however, is not fazed by Kelley’s reputation as a former WBC featherweight titleholder. He sparred 112 rounds to prepare for Kelley and traded punches with world superbantamweight champion Israel Vazquez, Shadi Hamsho and Robert (The Ghost) Guerrero at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles.

Pacquiao couldn’t be more ready to rise to the top at Kelley’s expense. He arrived in the US last April 19 and hasn’t taken a step back in punishing himself in the gym.

"Over the past two years, I have never seen Bobby this focused and determined," said co-manager Mike Koncz. "Bobby’s work ethic was phenomenal every day at the Wild Card and also at a second gym in Orange County where he worked on stamina and conditioning. I told Bobby this is the best training camp he ever had and I am very proud of him for his desire and extra work that he has put in such as doing about 935 sit-ups and other abdominal exercises a day and spending 30 minutes on a row boat machine. He is in the best condition of his pro career and will give 110 percent on fight night."

Pacquiao is coming off a split decision win over former world champion Carlos (Famoso) Hernandez in Las Vegas last October while Kelley has won his last four outings, three by KO.

"Despite his age, Kelley is a very dangerous opponent and cannot be taken lightly as he is a former two-time world champion who has great ring generalship and tremendous power," said Koncz. "Bobby and I have had numerous conversations regarding the importance of a good showing against Kelley as this would diminish the controversial win over Hernandez and perhaps, he will no longer be labeled as Manny’s little brother."

The elder Pacquiao, who is training in Los Angeles for his July 2 appointment with Oscar Larios at the Araneta Coliseum, will not be at ringside in New York.

"Bobby understands I have to train hard for Larios so I cannot go to New York to give him my support," said Pacquiao. "When I arrived in L.A. and saw Bobby training at the Wild Card, I was very surprised and happy to see the condition of his body and knew right away he worked very hard. This is a good opportunity and a big break for Bobby. I know in my heart he is ready and will do his best."

Solar Sports will televise the fight on a slightly delayed telecast this morning. The main event features Miguel Cotto versus Paul Malignaggi.

Accompanying Pacquiao to New York are his wife Lorelie, trainer Justin Fortune, assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez and Koncz. Pacquiao’s lawyer Franklin Gacal and associate Rex (Wakee) Salud arrived in New York last Thursday.

A two-time New York Golden Gloves champion, Kelley posted a 62-5 amateur record. He lost to Carl Daniels in the 1988 Olympic trials then turned pro. Kelley, a southpaw like Pacquiao, has been known to fight through adversity.

"Handicapped people are my inspiration," said Kelley, a devoted husband and father of four. "I fight with handicaps all the time. I fought Russell Davidson with a broken left hand and beat him with my jab alone. I knocked out Gainer with one good eye. I’m like a chameleon. I can change my colors and stripes to confuse my opponent. I can knock out fighters with either hand. I can brawl or box."

In 1997, Kelley faced Hamed in a thriller at Madison Square Garden. He floored Hamed in the first, second and fourth but went down in the second and twice in the fourth to lose by knockout.

Kelley suffered his first loss after 41 straight wins to Gonzalez in 1995. Both fighters hit the deck but Kelley was forced to retire in the 10th as his eyes were swollen shut.