Manny Pacquiao’s training has entered its crucial, critical phase and his handlers have ordered closed door sessions at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.
Starting today, a Monday in Los Angeles, and until fight week the Pinoy superstar will train behind closed doors at the famous sweatshop from 1 to 3 p.m.
The message was relayed yesterday by Dr. Ed dela Vega, the California-based orthodontic who provides special mouth guards for Pacquiao and other Pinoys fighting in the US.
Dela Vega, who also loves taking snapshots of Pacquiao in the US, said his most recent photos taken during training could be the last to be posted on the Internet.
“They maybe the last we will post (on philboxing.com) before the fight at Mandalay Bay next month,” said Dela Vega, the first Filipino to sit in the California Board of Dental Examiners.
It’s just 32 days before June 28, when Pacquiao shoots for a fourth world crown against reigning WBC lightweight champion David Diaz in Las Vegas.
It’s crunch time. No pictures, no videos of Pacquiao in training, except during fans day and media day that should come a week before the fight.
Diaz is a few steps ahead, having closed the doors to his training since he started last April 19.
Dela Vega said Wild Card enforcer Rob Peters, in his powerful voice, made the announcement Saturday before Pacquiao sparred eight rounds against three boxers.
“We appreciate your keen interest in watching Manny Pacquiao train today. Please enjoy it because effective Monday the Wild Card Gym will be closed to the public,” Peters said.
And “public” includes friends and acquaintance of the Pinoy champion.
“We do not care if you are at the Palazzo (Pacquiao’s official residence in LA) visiting everyday. Beginning Monday if you do not have a specific role in the training, you will be asked to leave if you come to watch the training. Please do not make us ask you to leave. If you do not have a role, please do not come,” Peters announced.
“Video photography of any kind is strictly prohibited,” he added.
Dela Vega was at the gym Saturday, when Pacquiao sparred eight rounds against Carlos Tangaro, a Filipino-Puerto Rican, Steve Quinones, a Mexican, and Gary MacMillen, a Scot.
After his first week of sparring, held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, Pacquiao has logged 20 rounds, and is expected to do a hundred more.