Pacquiao to begin sparring today

On road to Baguio City after spending the weekend in Manila, trainer Freddie Roach said he’s looking forward to the first day of Manny Pacquiao’s sparring with Shawn Porter and David Rodela on Tuesday afternoon.

“He better be ready,” said Roach, the man at the helm of preparing Pacquiao for the May 7 clash with Shane Mosley.

Roach and Pacquiao were scheduled to train Saturday afternoon at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque, but the pound-for-pound king didn’t make it to workout.

Congressman Pacquiao with Magic 89.9's DJ Angelicopter and John Cruz

“He overslept,” said Roach, citing that they both didn’t make it to bed early the night before because they had to be present during the annual Elorde Boxing Awards at the Sofitel Hotel.

Pacquiao and Roach were still at the event around midnight of Friday since they were requested by the Elorde family to stay for a while and watch some fights.

Pacquiao and Roach are staying in Baguio until Friday as they are scheduled to leave for the US this Saturday for the most crucial phase of the training.

Another batch of sparmates await Pacquiao at the Wild Card in Hollywood, according to Roach, who is also tapping prospect Omar Henry.

By Nick Giongco