Pacquiao: I’m ready for 24 rds

By ABAC CORDERO

The Philippine Star

Even Manny Pacquiao took some time out last Wednesday trying to get the latest on the celebrated case involving former president Joseph Estrada.

Pacquiao missed the live coverage of the reading of the Sandiganbayan verdict, finding Estrada guilty of plunder. But the boxer didn’t pass up on the news later in the day.

“We all have to respect the rule of law as we all pray for lasting peace and unity in the country,” Pacquiao was quoted as saying without really taking sides.

Pacquiao’s chief-of-staff, Jake Joson, said the boxer missed the live coverage as he was resting after his morning workout, but tried to get as much news on TV.

“It was the topic of the day but Manny didn’t want to comment more. But he did say that it’s a political issue that means a lot to our country,’” said Joson.

At around noon, while Estrada was being transported back to his Tanay resthouse, Pacquiao, in his cozy Waterfront Hotel suite in Cebu, was preparing to go to the gym.

He went 10 rounds of sparring, just as he did last Monday, raising his total to 67, barely 22 days left before he takes on Marco Antonio Barrera at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao looked comfortable stretching the rounds, and after the three-hour workout at the Rex “Wakee” Salud gym said he’s “ready to go 24 rounds” against Barrera if needed.

“I think I’m ready for two fights. Each session at the gym is equivalent to 28 rounds,” said Pacquiao, weighing at most 137 lbs, and expecting no problem to meet the 130 lb limit.

Aside from sparring, Pacquiao works on the heavy bag, double-end bag, speed ball for several rounds of three minutes each, and works the ropes, and shadow boxes.

He does 1,000 crunches or sit-ups a day.

“We’re in the homestretch,” said Joson, adding that Pacquiao plans to wrap up his training in Cebu next Friday, and fly back to Manila in the evening.

Pacquiao, according to Freddie Roach, will hold one more workout at the Wild Card Gym in Parañaque on Saturday, Sept. 22, before boarding the plane to Los Angeles in the evening.