
"I watched Manny hit mitts today. I'm here sparring with Cesar Chavez Jr. Manny looks good bro," remarked middleweight Brian Vera, who's currently on location in Texas helping Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. prepare for his upcoming December 4 showdown with Alfonso Gomez. Vera was originally slated to fight on the undercard of Pacquiao vs. Margarito, but his opponent, former undisputed middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik, unexpectedly pulled out of the bout last week, citing a rib injury. Although Vera was removed the card, the Texas native picked up a sparring gig with new Freddie Roach pupil Chavez Jr., thus giving him the opportunity to get an inside look at Team Pacquiao's camp just days before this Saturday's showdown with Antonio Margarito.
So how good is Pacquiao looking? Despite reports that numerous distractions have led to a poor training camp, Vera says the Filipino superstar looks as sharp as ever less than 72 hours before he takes on his biggest foe to date. "He looks really good. I think he will probably edge it out," Vera added. Be sure to tune in to HBO Pay Per View this at 9PM ET/6PM PT to find out for yourself.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]