Gym falls under Pacman power

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao almost wrecked half the gym as his preparations for his Nov. 13 fight with Antonio Margarito went a notch higher yesterday.

Pacquiao sent one of Freddie Roach’s mitts flying during their session, and later on had his handlers scrambling for a replacement for the double-end bag that almost snapped.

Pacquiao worked the speed ball for three rounds and had the yellow object close to breaking loose from its wooden base.

The Elorde Boxing Gym in Quezon City bore the brunt of Pacquiao’s power, or at least 50 percent of its full potential, leaving its owner, the son of the legendary Filipino boxer named Gabriel “Flash” Elorde, in awe.

“Hindi kinaya ng equipment namin yung lakas niya (Our equipment failed to withstand his power),” said Johnny Elorde, who promised to get better replacements in time for today’s afternoon session.

Pacquiao’s power was on display as he worked nine rounds with the mitts, and just the same amount of time with the double-end, speed ball and the ropes. He did close to hundreds of crunches to cap the two-hour workout.

“This is just fifty percent of Manny,” said Roach.

Yet, the destruction Pacquiao could cause with his hands were too evident.

The pound-for-pound champion who has gone undefeated for five years now was working the double-end bag, surrounded by his trainers, mediamen and fans when he felt a difference with the gadget.

“Mabagal ito (This is slow),” he complained.

But he carried on, and pounded the small, moving target as if it was Margarito’s head. Then he noticed something during a lull.

“Ay, mapuputol na ito (This is about to snap),” he said.

Then he paused, and his Pinoy trainers, Buboy and Roger Fernandez and Nonoy Neri, did notice that the string that keeps the ball in place is about to snap.

“Mabuti napansin ko (Good thing I noticed),” said Pacquiao, who waved off an attempt by his trainers to replace the double-end so he could resume the workout.

“Bukas na lang (Do it tomorrow),” Pacquiao said.

The same thing happened with the speed ball, as Pacquiao paused, and noticed that the screw was so loose one more barrage would have sent it flying. It had to be tightened before he could resume.

It was the same speedball frame, made of Yakal, used by the late great Flash Elorde.

“What can I say? Manny is too strong for these equipment. And I’m not even surprised. This gym was made for those who only want to stay in shape,” said the owner, laughing it off.