Pacman training goes full blast

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao made a lot of noise yesterday, the type of noise champions should be making when they gear up for a big fight.

For seven rounds, Pacquiao pounded the mitts with his chief trainer Freddie Roach, fired away at the heavy bag, worked the double-end and made the speed ball sound like a jackhammer at the Elorde Gym in Quezon City.

Officially, it was the first day of workout for Pacquiao, even if he’d been to the same gym at least twice last week, and at the oven-hot gym in General Santos City the other day. There’ve been morning runs for almost two weeks now.

It’s safe to say that Pacquiao isn’t taking his Nov. 13 fight with Antonio Margarito lightly.

“He’s not underestimating his opponent. He’s taking things seriously,” said Pacquiao’s adviser, Mike Koncz, during their quick trip to the House of Representatives right after the two-hour workout at the spacious gym.

Koncz said there’s more than enough time considering that the fight is eight weeks away.

Roach flew in the other day with a couple of sparring partners, and according to Koncz, the celebrated trainer was surprised at how Pacquiao moved on top of the ring, and hit the mitts like he’s never stopped hitting them.

“Freddie was really surprised after the seven rounds with the mitts with Manny. He said it was like Manny’s been training for weeks now. Well actually he is. He’s been playing basketball, too and that kept him in shape,” said Koncz.

From the gym, Pacquiao gave Roach a brief tour of Congress and showed him his office.

Last week, Pacquiao said he weighs around 150 to 151 lb, meaning there’s nothing much to worry about when it comes to the 151 lb catchweight as he disputes the vacant WBC super-welterweight (154) crown with Margarito.

Koncz said Pacquiao will continue to train in Manila until he leaves on Wednesday evening, with the entire team, for Baguio City. Pacquiao may skip Thursday’s morning run then report to the gym in the City of Pines in the afternoon.

They’re all in, including strength and conditioning guru Alex Ariza, Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri.

While in Baguio, Pacquiao will set his duties as a congressman aside even if he may continue to run his office through the wonders of technology. Then after a month or so, it’s on to Los Angeles for the final push.

House Speaker Sonny Belmonte had said that the rest of the members of the Lower House won’t mind if Pacquiao skips the sessions as he prepares for another big fight at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“He’s already doing the country a great service,” Belmonte said in way of excusing Pacquiao from the sessions.

Already in town to spar with Pacquiao when tapped by Roach are Glen Tapia (7-0) of the Dominican Republic and Michael Medina (24-2 with 19 KOs) of Mexico.

Also coming in soon are Vanes Martirosyan of Armenia and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, of Mexico.