Tag: Pacquiao Spence

Could Manny Pacquiao’s punching power be key vs. Errol Spence?

Could Manny Pacquiao’s punching power be key against the favored Errol Spence on Aug. 21 in Las Vegas?

Manny Pacquiao hasn’t been a power puncher as welterweight. In 18 fights above 140 pounds, he has only three knockouts in 14 victories.

The Filipino icon’s pop played a role in his most-recent fight, though. He put Keith Thurman down in the opening round to set the tone for that bout and went on to win a split decision and a 147-pound title in July 2019.

And his longtime trainer, Freddie Roach, believes his protégé’s power could play a role in his pay-per-view challenge of beltholder Errol Spence Jr. on Aug. 21 in Las Vegas.

“I told Manny that knocking down Keith Thurman early gave him a lot of momentum in that fight, and I’d like to see that again in this fight,” Roach said Wednesday. “He knows that he has to use his speed to do that. He understands completely what I want.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF7w98qiOio&t=46s

Roach said Pacquiao also has shown in sparring that he can still land big shots, which is a good sign for him.

“He had probably his best sparring yesterday (Tuesday),” he said. “We went 10 rounds and he got two knockdowns. It was the old Manny Pacquiao from 10 years ago.

“He’s not as big of a puncher usually at welterweight, but those knockdowns yesterday were a great boost for him.”

That said, Roach and Co. recognize that Spence, a big, strong welterweight, can hurt any opponent.

Thus, a mistake could cost Pacquiao dearly, as it did when he was stopped by one punch from rival Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012. Roach has emphasized in training the necessity for Pacquiao to continually move.

“Spence is a good boxer, but he’s a very good puncher,” Roach said. “We know that when we get inside, we have to be smart getting back outside. It has to be quick combinations and then out right away.”

So how does Roach think the fight will play out? In Pacquiao’s favor.

“I think Manny is going to outbox Spence,” he said. “His footspeed is unbelievable and much better than his opponent’s. Spence follows you around and is heavy on his feet. He seems very set to the ground.

“Manny’s speed will overwhelm him. I’m really happy with the game plan so far.”

[lawrence-related id=22065,21990,21857,21847,21799,21748,20984,20426]

Could Manny Pacquiao’s punching power be key vs. Errol Spence?

Could Manny Pacquiao’s punching power be key against the favored Errol Spence on Aug. 21 in Las Vegas?

Manny Pacquiao hasn’t been a power puncher as welterweight. In 18 fights above 140 pounds, he has only three knockouts in 14 victories.

The Filipino icon’s pop played a role in his most-recent fight, though. He put Keith Thurman down in the opening round to set the tone for that bout and went on to win a split decision and a 147-pound title in July 2019.

And his longtime trainer, Freddie Roach, believes his protégé’s power could play a role in his pay-per-view challenge of beltholder Errol Spence Jr. on Aug. 21 in Las Vegas.

“I told Manny that knocking down Keith Thurman early gave him a lot of momentum in that fight, and I’d like to see that again in this fight,” Roach said Wednesday. “He knows that he has to use his speed to do that. He understands completely what I want.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vF7w98qiOio&t=46s

Roach said Pacquiao also has shown in sparring that he can still land big shots, which is a good sign for him.

“He had probably his best sparring yesterday (Tuesday),” he said. “We went 10 rounds and he got two knockdowns. It was the old Manny Pacquiao from 10 years ago.

“He’s not as big of a puncher usually at welterweight, but those knockdowns yesterday were a great boost for him.”

That said, Roach and Co. recognize that Spence, a big, strong welterweight, can hurt any opponent.

Thus, a mistake could cost Pacquiao dearly, as it did when he was stopped by one punch from rival Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012. Roach has emphasized in training the necessity for Pacquiao to continually move.

“Spence is a good boxer, but he’s a very good puncher,” Roach said. “We know that when we get inside, we have to be smart getting back outside. It has to be quick combinations and then out right away.”

So how does Roach think the fight will play out? In Pacquiao’s favor.

“I think Manny is going to outbox Spence,” he said. “His footspeed is unbelievable and much better than his opponent’s. Spence follows you around and is heavy on his feet. He seems very set to the ground.

“Manny’s speed will overwhelm him. I’m really happy with the game plan so far.”

[lawrence-related id=22065,21990,21857,21847,21799,21748,20984,20426]

Can Manny Pacquiao hit a home run off Errol Spence Jr. at 42?

Can Manny Pacquiao hit a home run off Errol Spence Jr. at 42?

Ted Williams had a storybook ending to his baseball career.

The Hall of Fame outfielder for the Boston Red Sox hit home run in his last at bat, adding one final jewel to the legacy of one of the greatest baseball players of all time. And, as Freddie Roach was quick to point out, he did it at the age 42.

Manny Pacquiao also is 42. Could he deliver Williams-esque magic when he faces the Errol Spence Jr. – about a 2½-1 favorite — in a welterweight title-unification bout on Aug. 21?

“Manny has achieved so much in his boxing career and in his life.  But everyone in camp can sense this fight has a special meaning,” said Roach, Pacquiao’s longtime trainer. “It is not just about beating a top pound-for-pound fighter or winning more titles. This time it’s all about boxing immortality for Manny Pacquiao.

“I am a Red Sox fan, and I can tell he wants to go out like Ted Williams did, hitting a home run in his last at bat. By the way, Ted Williams was also 42 when he did that.”

Pacquiao evidently is putting in the work necessary to surprise the oddsmakers.

The eight-division titleholder began sparring Thursday at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif., only four days after flying from the Philippines to Los Angeles. He went four rounds total with two tall, young southpaws hired to replicate Spence.

Among a small number of observers were two representing the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, who would collect a blood sample following his workout. It was his second drug test of the week.

And Pacquiao hasn’t let jetlag hinder his efforts. He has trained at the Wild Card two to three hours every afternoon since his arrival, according to a news release. That has followed morning runs at nearby Pan Pacific Park or up the hills of Griffith Park to the Hollywood Sign.

“Manny lives for the challenge and the competition,” Roach said. “Manny loves hearing that the Las Vegas odds and the media favor Errol Spence. Manny knows it’s a tough fight – probably his toughest – but that’s why he began his conditioning so early in the Philippines.

“Usually, jet lag keeps him out of the gym for one day the first week he arrives in Los Angeles. Not this time. He has been here every day, training two and half to three hours each afternoon.

“I usually hold off sparring the first week, but Manny insisted on sparring yesterday, so we brought in Maurice Lee (5-foot-11) and Alexis Rocha (5-10), who went two rounds each with Manny.”

The sparring partners were impressed.

“What a great experience,” said Lee (12-1-2, 5 KOs).  “I thought since he had just flown in from the Philippines, he would be a little tired and I could catch him with a few shots.  But he was sharp, elusive, and unpredictable.  Video tape does not prepare you for his speed and the angles he fights from.

“His punches were coming from everywhere. Calling him elite would be an understatement.”

Said Roach (17-1, 11 KOs): “Sparring with Manny was definitely a learning experience. Manny has a very awkward style to fight because his punches come from all directions. He has fast and heavy hands and he throws punches in bunches.”

Spence had better have his best fastball. Pacquiao obviously is digging in.

[lawrence-related id=21748]

Can Manny Pacquiao hit a home run off Errol Spence Jr. at 42?

Can Manny Pacquiao hit a home run off Errol Spence Jr. at 42?

Ted Williams had a storybook ending to his baseball career.

The Hall of Fame outfielder for the Boston Red Sox hit home run in his last at bat, adding one final jewel to the legacy of one of the greatest baseball players of all time. And, as Freddie Roach was quick to point out, he did it at the age 42.

Manny Pacquiao also is 42. Could he deliver Williams-esque magic when he faces the Errol Spence Jr. – about a 2½-1 favorite — in a welterweight title-unification bout on Aug. 21?

“Manny has achieved so much in his boxing career and in his life.  But everyone in camp can sense this fight has a special meaning,” said Roach, Pacquiao’s longtime trainer. “It is not just about beating a top pound-for-pound fighter or winning more titles. This time it’s all about boxing immortality for Manny Pacquiao.

“I am a Red Sox fan, and I can tell he wants to go out like Ted Williams did, hitting a home run in his last at bat. By the way, Ted Williams was also 42 when he did that.”

Pacquiao evidently is putting in the work necessary to surprise the oddsmakers.

The eight-division titleholder began sparring Thursday at Roach’s Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif., only four days after flying from the Philippines to Los Angeles. He went four rounds total with two tall, young southpaws hired to replicate Spence.

Among a small number of observers were two representing the Voluntary Anti-Doping Association, who would collect a blood sample following his workout. It was his second drug test of the week.

And Pacquiao hasn’t let jetlag hinder his efforts. He has trained at the Wild Card two to three hours every afternoon since his arrival, according to a news release. That has followed morning runs at nearby Pan Pacific Park or up the hills of Griffith Park to the Hollywood Sign.

“Manny lives for the challenge and the competition,” Roach said. “Manny loves hearing that the Las Vegas odds and the media favor Errol Spence. Manny knows it’s a tough fight – probably his toughest – but that’s why he began his conditioning so early in the Philippines.

“Usually, jet lag keeps him out of the gym for one day the first week he arrives in Los Angeles. Not this time. He has been here every day, training two and half to three hours each afternoon.

“I usually hold off sparring the first week, but Manny insisted on sparring yesterday, so we brought in Maurice Lee (5-foot-11) and Alexis Rocha (5-10), who went two rounds each with Manny.”

The sparring partners were impressed.

“What a great experience,” said Lee (12-1-2, 5 KOs).  “I thought since he had just flown in from the Philippines, he would be a little tired and I could catch him with a few shots.  But he was sharp, elusive, and unpredictable.  Video tape does not prepare you for his speed and the angles he fights from.

“His punches were coming from everywhere. Calling him elite would be an understatement.”

Said Roach (17-1, 11 KOs): “Sparring with Manny was definitely a learning experience. Manny has a very awkward style to fight because his punches come from all directions. He has fast and heavy hands and he throws punches in bunches.”

Spence had better have his best fastball. Pacquiao obviously is digging in.

[lawrence-related id=21748]

Manny Pacquiao opens training camp for Errol Spence fight with a bang

Manny Pacquiao has opened training camp for his fight against Errol Spence Jr. with a bang.

Manny Pacquiao evidently hit the ground running in his first day of training for his fight against Errol Spence July 20 in Las Vegas.

The welterweight titleholder arrived today at his gym-away-from-home Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif., a day after leaving his home in the Philippines. And, according to longtime trainer Freddie Roach, he arrived in shape.

He began the day with a five-mile run and 1,000 sit-ups before an afternoon session at the iconic gym, according to a news release. He then worked out for nearly three hours, with nine rounds on the mitts.

Roach was impressed.

“If this is how Manny hits with jet lag, I may need to get new gloves with thicker padding for our next sessions,” Roach said. “He was incredible sharp for his first day. He hit hard with good power. After all these years, I’m still amazed at the great condition he’s in when he comes to training camp. After traveling around the world yesterday, he put in a full day here – mitts, speed bag, shadow boxing – the works.

“The best part was at the end when he lifted his shirt to show me his six pack and said, ‘Freddie, I’m still here.’”

Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) knows the challenges he faces against Spence (27-0, 21 KOs).

Spence, ranked No. 4 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list, is 31 years old and his prime. No. 15 Pacquiao is coming off a sensational victory over Keith Thurman but that fight took place more than two years ago and he’s 42.

Spence is about a 2½-1 favorite in the fight.

“Errol Spence is a very difficult fight for me, perhaps the most difficult of my career,” Pacquiao said. “But I have been an underdog my whole life. I am used to that. It is why I work so hard. But the love and the prayers of my fellow Philippine citizens and Filipinos around the world sustain and inspire me.

“I fight for the glory of my nation and for underdogs everywhere.”

[lawrence-related id=8679,20984,20426,9244,8190]

Manny Pacquiao opens training camp for Errol Spence fight with a bang

Manny Pacquiao has opened training camp for his fight against Errol Spence Jr. with a bang.

Manny Pacquiao evidently hit the ground running in his first day of training for his fight against Errol Spence July 20 in Las Vegas.

The welterweight titleholder arrived today at his gym-away-from-home Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, Calif., a day after leaving his home in the Philippines. And, according to longtime trainer Freddie Roach, he arrived in shape.

He began the day with a five-mile run and 1,000 sit-ups before an afternoon session at the iconic gym, according to a news release. He then worked out for nearly three hours, with nine rounds on the mitts.

Roach was impressed.

“If this is how Manny hits with jet lag, I may need to get new gloves with thicker padding for our next sessions,” Roach said. “He was incredible sharp for his first day. He hit hard with good power. After all these years, I’m still amazed at the great condition he’s in when he comes to training camp. After traveling around the world yesterday, he put in a full day here – mitts, speed bag, shadow boxing – the works.

“The best part was at the end when he lifted his shirt to show me his six pack and said, ‘Freddie, I’m still here.’”

Pacquiao (62-7-2, 39 KOs) knows the challenges he faces against Spence (27-0, 21 KOs).

Spence, ranked No. 4 on Boxing Junkie’s pound-for-pound list, is 31 years old and his prime. No. 15 Pacquiao is coming off a sensational victory over Keith Thurman but that fight took place more than two years ago and he’s 42.

Spence is about a 2½-1 favorite in the fight.

“Errol Spence is a very difficult fight for me, perhaps the most difficult of my career,” Pacquiao said. “But I have been an underdog my whole life. I am used to that. It is why I work so hard. But the love and the prayers of my fellow Philippine citizens and Filipinos around the world sustain and inspire me.

“I fight for the glory of my nation and for underdogs everywhere.”

[lawrence-related id=8679,20984,20426,9244,8190]

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao: Algieri says ‘we could get upset’

Errol Spence Jr. vs. Manny Pacquiao: Chris Algieri, who fought both men, smells a potential upset.

Can Manny Pacquiao beat Errol Spence Jr. in their 147-pound title-unification bout on Aug. 21? One man who faced both fighters believes so.

Chris Algieri lost a near shutout decision against Pacquiao in 2014 and was stopped in five rounds by Spence two years later. Algieri went down nine times in those fights, six times against Pacquiao.

He believes the Filipino icon shouldn’t be underestimated even though he’s now 42 years old and will have been out of the ring for more than two years.

Pacquiao stunned many observers when he defeated Keith Thurman by a split decision to win the WBA welterweight title in July 2019. He’s about a 3-1 underdog going into the fight with Spence.

“I never count out Manny,” he said on the DAZN Boxing Show. “He’s one of those guys. He has the one-punch power, he has that speed and he’s awkward. He sets traps, his off-beat rhythm. His ability to change throughout a fight. The best make adjustments.

“The guys who can adjust are the guys who separate from themselves. Manny does that as good as anyone even at that advanced age.”

Algieri, a former 140-pound champ, believes Pacquiao also is capable of hurting Spence. Pacquiao has one knockout in the past 11-plus years.

“He’s got a punch, he’s got power,” Algieri said. “If he can walk Spence into these shots we could get an upset.”