Baguio City - Team Pacquiao had another closed door sparring session Tuesday afternoon at the Shape Up Boxing Gym right inside the Cooyessan Hotel. Pacquiao sparred for four rounds against WBA jr. welterweight champ Amir Khan, four rounds with Glen Tapia and two rounds against Michael Medina.
Medina and Tapia, who are both up trying to make a name for them selves in the boxing business, are enjoying their stint here with the man considered as the best boxer on the planet.
"I'm learning from the best coach in the world and from the best boxer in the world." Tapia said after his sparring session. Tapia said his experience has inspired him and he wants to be a great champion someday.
The 20 year old lt. middleweight has a record of 7W-0L, 5 KO’s. He has a scheduled fight on October 30 in New Jersey against a still to be named opponent.
Medina echoed Tapia's sentiment, "I'm enjoying the experience of sparring with the best boxer in the world. I'm learning from the best coach. I am going to work as hard as he does. You will see a different Michael Medina when I get back to the States."
"I'm hoping for a world title shot next year," the 24 year old Medina added. His record is 24W-2L-2D, 19 KO’s. He once held the WBC FECOMBOX Lt. middleweight belt. He lost to John Duddy by split decision last March but won his last fight against Gilberto Hernandez by 4th round TKO last July.
Khan, who has beaten the likes of Marco Antonio Barrera and Paulie Malignaggi, is scheduled to fight Marcos Maidana this December 11 in Las Vegas.
Assistant trainer Nonoy Neri said that Pacquiao is peaking and his speed his back. Neri also said that Pacquiao is wearing a special sole support to protect his previously injured foot.
Pacquiao was unable to do his road work Tuesday morning due to the heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Juan. The team plans to return to Metro Manila after Wednesday's training session and will continue their regimen until they leave for Los Angeles on Saturday.
Pacquiao will fight Antonio Margarito on November 13 (Nov. 14 R.P. Time) for the vacant WBC superwelterweight (light middleweight) title at the Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Top photo: Manny Pacquiao (R) and Amir Khan (L) with Roach have light moments during Monday's workout at the Shape Up Gym, Cooyeesan Hotel in Baguio City.
Source: PhilBoxing.com
