Pacquiao leaves sparring mate Castillo bloodied

Pacquiao leaves sparring mate Castillo bloodied - Sports - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

BAGUIO CITY – In trying to prove that last week’s bad weather was never an issue in training camp, Manny Pacquiao dominated his sparring partners Tuesday at the Shape-Up Gym in Cooyesan Hotel in this city.

Pacquiao sparred with highly-touted former two-time World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo of Mexico for three rounds then wrapped up his day’s session with a four-rounder opposite American Shawn Porter.
Manny Pacquiao, right, poses with new sparmate Jose Luis Castillo prior to the start of his session with the former Mexican WBC lightweight champion in Baguio City. Dennis Principe
“Hindi problema yung hindi ako nakatakbo ng ilang araw kasi may treadmill naman at sinubukan ko din yung swimming (Not being able to jog for a few days due to storm was not a problem since I could use a treadmill and I also tried swimming)," said Pacquiao. “Maganda na kundisyon ko ngayon. Ok dito sa Baguio kaya hindi dapat mabahala mga kababayan natin (I’m in good condition here in Baguio so my fans and my countrymen need not to be worried)."

Pacquiao is preparing for his upcoming world welterweight clash against Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto set for 12 rounds at a catch weight of 145-lbs on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In his anticipated sparring with Castillo, Pacquiao used his vastly improved lateral movements in trying to avoid the Mexican’s uppercuts and body shots. Pacquiao stalled Castillo’s aggressive attacks with three to five punch combos and counter left straights.

The 35-year-old Castillo (60-9-1, 52 knockouts) ended his first day of sparring with specks of blood on his left nostril, an incident that never got printed in the national dailies.

“I can’t see his left. It’s very fast and strong. I think that will be a big problem of Cotto," said Castillo after the work out.

Chief trainer Freddie Roach, who at first seemed cautious when it comes to having Castillo as Pacquiao’s sparring partner, now expressed his contentment in having the Mexican inside the gym.

“Castillo looked to be off a little bit and he’s never sparred as fast as anyone like Manny. But I like his movement because he moves similar to Cotto. Overall, it was a great work out and I was very happy," said Roach.

In sparring with Porter, Pacquiao again worked on his footwork and stiff combos while moving out of harm’s way.

“That will be one of Manny’s best assets. His ability to throw strong punches while moving out of the ropes," said two-time world champion Dodie Boy Peñalosa, who now works as one of Pacquiao’s assistant trainers.

Roach also denied reports circulating on the Internet that Pacquiao was knocked down in one sparring session last week.

Roach said no one has come close to flooring Pacquiao in any of their sparring sessions in their Baguio training camp.

Last weekend internet forums were deluged with queries and reports that Pacquiao got tagged by American sparring partner Porter.

“That’s a lie. I would know because I would have to pay. He’s getting hit but he’s never been floored ever. The money is still in my pocket," said Roach.

Roach has promised $1,000 for anyone who could put down Pacquiao during sparring. – GMANews.TV

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