Friday, January 07, 2005

Pacquiao leaves Jan. 6 for Marquez fight

FILIPINO ring sensation Manny Pacquiao is set to leave tomorrow, Jan. 6, for Los Angeles to resume his rigid training at the Wild Card Gym of famous American trainer Freddie Roach. Pacquiao, the Ring Magazine featherweight king, may be a little bit behind schedule in his training regimen but is confident he will be in peak form the moment he steps the ring on Feb. 26 to fight Juan Manuel Marquez for the second time. Pacquiao, a native of General Santos City, even belittled Marquez and taunted the Mexican to train as hard as he could. Pacquiao and Marguez engaged in a classic battle last May. The Filipino dropped the Mexican three times in the first round, but Marquez came back strong in the next six rounds to settle for a draw. With the decision, Marquez kept his World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation featherweight titles. Pacquiao, although he failed to snatch the title, showed the world isn't afraid of an fighter and is willing to take on anybody who comes his way. The Filipino southpaw raised a lot of eyebrows when he, after beating Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera, decided to immediately face a tough opponent in Marquez. Joining Pacquiao in his flight will be Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez. Roach had wanted Pacquiao to come as early as Dec. 26, but Pacquiao requested for a later date to enjoy the holidays, and to shoot a TV commercial. Roach likewise warned Pacquiao not to take Marquez lightly, specially since the Mexican went on an early regimen in the mountains of Mexico.

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