
Day 4 of training began with Manny Pacquiao in a great mood. He was cheerful, and yet, maybe even a little bit restless. On the elevator ride down to the lobby, the Champ was playfully smacking everyone, treating them like the close friends and family they have all become. Yesterday, world-class trainer Freddie Roach saw something in Manny that warranted giving him the rest of the day off from training. Telling him to skip his afternoon workout, Roach did not want Manny to push it too hard; not yet anyway. It's obvious Roach sees the Champ doing what he always does, and that is giving more during training than any other athlete. Although practice makes perfect, Manny is someone who sometimes needs to be slowed down for his own good, even if he wants to keep pushing.
It reminds me of an incident a week before the Miguel Cotto fight, when Manny was finishing his 16th round of training. He was working the mitts hard with Freddie, who was sweating almost as hard as the Champ, his face exhibiting a deeper pink to it than normal. Finally, the bell sounded in the famous Wild Card Gym. CLANG! CLANG! CLANG! The final round was over with mitts and Manny said to Freddie, "Come on, let's keep going." Freddie told him, "No Manny, we are done." Manny replied, "No, one more round Freddie." Reluctantly, Freddie said, "Okay Manny. Okay." When the bell sounded to begin the next round of mitts, Manny let off such a flurry of hard punches that he knocked the mitt clean off of Freddie's hand. I watched in amazement as it sailed out of the ring. Freddie just looked at Manny, pointed to the ground and said, "He's out Manny. You Knocked him out. The fight is over. No one can take these punches."
So after his break from the afternoon workout session yesterday, Manny Pacquiao appeared to be rejuvenated today. He was also a bit happier because his famous dog, Pacman, showed up to join in the festivities. Dressed in his grey shorts, blue Pacquiao, shirt and green running shoes, the Champ left his hotel feeling great and vowing to work even harder today. He even adorned small hand weights, something I hardly ever see him using. It's clear that Manny is turning up the heat, despite the break in training that his trainer prescribed. It makes you wonder, how is Freddie so in tune with the inner working of the PACMAN? Manny Pacquiao is not only one of the most difficult guys to keep up with inside of the ring, but outside of the ring as well. Freddie Roach, however, appears to have mastered what makes the PACMAN tick, making the combination of the two a lethal weapon at the conclusion of their training camps.
Be sure to check out much more exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from our friends at MPBoxing.com as Pacquiao continues on his road to Mosley.