MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao is very confident of his chances against “Tijuana Tornado” Antonio Margarito of Mexico in their November 13 face-off.
With just a notch below his killer form and 3 weeks of training to go, Pacquiao is certain he has the upper hand against the taller Mexican.
“Ready na tayo (I’m ready) … the fight will be for the country’s honor,” said the pound-for-pound king.
Pacquiao, who also reigns as World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, said he has already reached his ideal weight and power level.
He said his team is now only fine tuning his speed level.
“’Yung conditioning natin, ‘yung laki ng katawan… okay naman. ‘Yung speed lang i-develop pa natin (The conditioning, the body size… are okay. We’re working on developing more speed),” said the Philippines’ boxing congressman.
Pacquiao and Margarito will fight for the World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight title at a catchweight of 151 pounds.
This requires the 5’6” Filipino boxer to bulk up to make him formidable enough to trade punches against the 5’11” Margarito.
Pacquiao sought the support of his countrymen. He dedicated the fight to his fellow Filipinos.
"Sana ipagdasal n'yo ko... Karangalan nating lahat ito (Please pray for me... this will be for our country)," he said.
Going for a swift victory
A report by PhilStar.com said Pacquiao may opt to stop Margarito in the early rounds.
“Siguro aatake kami (We might move in) first and second (rounds),” he said in the report. “But it depends.”
Pacquiao wrapped up his training in the Philippines on Friday, working out under the heavy downpour at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila.
After his speed drills, the "Fighter of the Decade" gave himself a 9 ½ rating on a scale of 1 to 10.
Pacquio is set to leave for the US on Saturday for the remainder of his training camp before heading to Texas where the fight will take place.
PNoy wishes him luck
After his training, Pacquiao donned a barong as he paid President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III a courtesy call.
The president wished "The Pacman" good luck in his fight.
Aquino also urged Filipinos to rally behind the "Pambansang Kamao" (National Fist). -- With reports from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN; ANC; and The Philippine Star
Source: ABS-CBNNews.com
