Pacquiao handlers don’t trust Barrera

LOS ANGELES – Once the opening bell rings, Team Pacquiao will have an eye glued on Marco Antonio Barrera — from head to toe.

“Watch out for that headbutt,” said Nonoy Neri, one of Manny Pacquiao’s Pinoy trainers.

“Manny should be careful with that,” said the man who also doubles as Pacquiao’s cook, masseur and dietician.

Another thing to watch out for, according to Neri, is Barrera’s footwork – actually not for its speed but something else.

“Barrera steps on your feet and Manny might be caught off-balanced,” said Neri.

He said Barrera might resort to these tactics if the going gets rough, but at the same time said the Mexican may have little time or no time at all to do it.

Neri said an early, strong exchange will favor Pacquiao very well since it’ll go against Barrera’s game plan.

“Barrera will not mix it up, and might use the ring,” he said.

Therefore, Pacquiao should go for the kill when the opportunity comes.

“If in the first exchange Barrera gets hurt Manny should finish him off,” Neri added. – Abac Cordero