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Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao trains in Maasim, Sarangani. Photo courtesy of Winchell Campos
MANILA, Philippines – Just three weeks before he takes on Argentina's Lucas Matthysse, Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao is well on his way to full fitness as he continues to train in General Santos City.
Pacquiao's trainers were pleased with the work ethic displayed by the 39-year-old boxer on Tuesday, especially after they saw the "Pacman" display his punching power during a sparring session.
The former eight-division world champion staggered his sparring partner, Gherich Chavez, with a single punch to the jaw, and had to pause for a moment to give his foe a respite.
Chief trainer Buboy Fernandez and strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune gave Pacquiao high marks for his work.
"I would say he is already 85% ready," said Fernandez, who is set to call the shots from the corner when Pacquiao fights Matthysse on July 15 at the Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
"We don't want him to peak too soon," he added.
Fortune agreed, saying: "He is right where we want him to be right now."
Pacquiao challenged himself on Monday morning, testing himself to the limit by climbing the steepest route in Maasim, Sarangani province.
"It's a sign that Manny is trying to ask himself questions, where he still has it or not. That talks a lot about his warrior spirit," said Fortune.
Meanwhile, Matthysse is doing all he can as well to match the firepower that Pacquiao will bring to their fight. Under the tutelage of Joel Diaz in Indio, California, Matthysse has promised to keep his belt at all cost.
The Argentine's promoter, Oscar De La Hoya, also dispelled rumors that the fight might be cancelled due to financial problems.
"I feel very, very confident the fight is going to happen, let's put it that way," Dela Hoya said in an interview with boxing scribe Steve Kim.
Matthysse is planning to arrive in Kuala Lumpur ahead of everyone to acclimatize for 10 days prior to the match.
"I might be there for about 10 days," said De La Hoya. "I want to go out there and help Manny promote, and do my rounds in Malaysia. I have my plane tickets already."
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