Manny begins Baguio training Monday

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao will begin his serious training on Monday in Baguio City, a week behind the original schedule that was drawn up by his trainer, Freddie Roach.

But it doesn’t mean that Pacquiao will be lacking in strength and preparation for his May 7 showdown with Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Seven weeks is just right for Pacquiao to get in tip-top shape. He’s done it before, and succeeded, and there’s no reason why he can’t do it now.

Pacquiao had a talk with Roach who flew in last Tuesday along with strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza and WBA super-lightweight champ Amir Khan.

They both agreed that Monday should be perfect for the start of training. Reports said Pacquiao flew to Davao City yesterday for a quick visit.

Khan is here as part of his training for an April 16 bout. The other day he went out for a run at Philsports in Pasig and trained with Roach at the Planet Jupiter Gym in Makati.

Pacquiao said during last month’s press tour for his coming fight that he’s feeling good following his hard-earned victory over Antonio Margarito last November.

“I feel good. I have my check on weight,” said Pacquiao, who should be walking around 155, just right for his 147 lb fight with Mosley for the Pinoy’s WBO welterweight title.

One of his consultants, Joe Ramos, said seven weeks of training should be fine for Pacquiao.

“Once Manny and Freddie start training, it’s impossible to stop them,” he said, adding that Team Pacquiao is planning to head for Baguio this weekend.