MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao would rather watch something new, something different on television rather than watch old videos of Timothy Bradley fights.
Inside his suite up in Baguio, refurnished like one in a five-star hotel, the eight-division world champion said he’s done watching Bradley on the screen.
“Napanood ko na (I’ve seen it),” said Pacquiao, seated on the cozy sofa and glancing at the giant LED screen showing Discovery Channel’s Gold Rush.
“Tama na ‘yun (That’s enough),” added the 33-year-old boxing superstar, congressman, singer, actor, game show host and bible preacher rolled into one.
It’s not that Pacquiao is not interested in Bradley that he would rather watch the reality series following six men who stake everything as they search for gold in the wilds of Alaska.
Perhaps he has Bradley all figured out.
Pacquiao wrapped up his Baguio training yesterday with six rounds of sparring, four against Ruslan Provodnikov and two with Rustam Nugaev, both Russian.
Around 5 p.m. yesterday Pacquiao’s convoy rolled out of Baguio.
It’s been a great three weeks of training for Pacquiao in the cool summer capital, and now comes the hard grind, the last four weeks of training in Los Angeles.
So far he’s logged 20 rounds of sparring.
Pacquiao will still work out at his MP Tower gym today and tomorrow before he takes the last evening flight to LA with his head coach Freddie Roach and team members.
Roach has lined up two more sparring partners for Pacquiao, and one push of the button on the trainer’s mobile phone and they’ll come rushing to the gym.
Pacquiao, however, said he’s satisfied with the pair of Russians so far.
“Okay naman ang sparring namin,” he said, specifically mentioning Provodnikov, who has the body of an amateur wrestler, as the perfect sparring partner.
“Parang si Bradley nga (He’s just like Bradley),” said Pacquiao, referring to his undefeated opponent.
Still, the reigning WBO welterweight champion said he’s ready to face anyone Roach throws at him during sparring if that’s what it would take to get him in top shape.
“Kahit sino ‘wag lang heavyweight,” he said.