Russian sparmate hits Baguio

MANILA, Philippines - Freddie Roach is so impressed with Manny Pacquiao’s condition that the celebrated trainer could order sparring to begin earlier than expected.

Russian welterweight Ruslan Provodnikov is already in town to serve as Pacquiao’s sparring partner in preparation for the June 9 fight with Tim Bradley.

Roach said Pacquiao, only in his second week in Baguio City, is ready to plunge into sparring, and if he finds Provodnikov fit, sparring will begin tomorrow.

Otherwise, sparring begins Saturday. Pacquiao normally spars on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and logs a little over a hundred rounds.

“If he’s ready by Thursday, we begin sparring Thursday,” Roach said.

The 5-foot-6 Provodnikov is here to mimic Bradley and the way he fights. He loosened up yesterday by stretching, shadow-boxing and working on the speed ball.

Provodnikov, who carries an impressive record of 21-1 with 14 knockouts, arrived in Baguio City Monday evening, and was brought to Pacquiao’s suite at the Cooyeesan Hotel.

According to GMA-7 sports correspondent Mark Zambrano, Provodnikov doesn’t speak English, and moves around with an interpreter.

Provodnikov was impressed with Pacquiao, whom he had probably met for the first time.

The Russian boxer, Zambrano said, tabbed Pacquiao in the mid-section, and said, “You’re strong.” The Filipino superstar responded by saying, “I’m very strong.”

Provodnikov was at the Shape-Up Gym yesterday afternoon to loosen up as Pacquiao and trained for the coming defense of his WBO welterweight title.

Pacquiao brings his training to the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles on the first week of May. Roach said he has lined up two more sparring partners for Pacquiao in LA.