Post by PHONETOOL on Oct 14, 2009 9:43:44 GMT -5
Pacquiao is preparing for his upcoming world welterweight clash against Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto set for 12 rounds at a catch weight of 145-lbs on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada.
In his anticipated sparring with Castillo, Pacquiao used his vastly improved lateral movements in trying to avoid the Mexican’s uppercuts and body shots. Pacquiao stalled Castillo’s aggressive attacks with three to five punch combos and counter left straights.
The 35-year-old Castillo (60-9-1, 52 knockouts) ended his first day of sparring with specks of blood on his left nostril, an incident that never got printed in the national dailies.
“I can’t see his left. It’s very fast and strong. I think that will be a big problem of Cotto," said Castillo after the work out.
Chief trainer Freddie Roach, who at first seemed cautious when it comes to having Castillo as Pacquiao’s sparring partner, now expressed his contentment in having the Mexican inside the gym.
“Castillo looked to be off a little bit and he’s never sparred as fast as anyone like Manny. But I like his movement because he moves similar to Cotto. Overall, it was a great work out and I was very happy," said Roach.
In sparring with Porter, Pacquiao again worked on his footwork and stiff combos while moving out of harm’s way.
“That will be one of Manny’s best assets. His ability to throw strong punches while moving out of the ropes," said two-time world champion Dodie Boy Peñalosa, who now works as one of Pacquiao’s assistant trainers.
Roach also denied reports circulating on the Internet that Pacquiao was knocked down in one sparring session last week.
Roach said no one has come close to flooring Pacquiao in any of their sparring sessions in their Baguio training camp.
Last weekend internet forums were deluged with queries and reports that Pacquiao got tagged by American sparring partner Porter.
“That’s a lie. I would know because I would have to pay. He’s getting hit but he’s never been floored ever. The money is still in my pocket," said Roach.
Roach has promised $1,000 for anyone who could put down Pacquiao during sparring.
In his anticipated sparring with Castillo, Pacquiao used his vastly improved lateral movements in trying to avoid the Mexican’s uppercuts and body shots. Pacquiao stalled Castillo’s aggressive attacks with three to five punch combos and counter left straights.
The 35-year-old Castillo (60-9-1, 52 knockouts) ended his first day of sparring with specks of blood on his left nostril, an incident that never got printed in the national dailies.
“I can’t see his left. It’s very fast and strong. I think that will be a big problem of Cotto," said Castillo after the work out.
Chief trainer Freddie Roach, who at first seemed cautious when it comes to having Castillo as Pacquiao’s sparring partner, now expressed his contentment in having the Mexican inside the gym.
“Castillo looked to be off a little bit and he’s never sparred as fast as anyone like Manny. But I like his movement because he moves similar to Cotto. Overall, it was a great work out and I was very happy," said Roach.
In sparring with Porter, Pacquiao again worked on his footwork and stiff combos while moving out of harm’s way.
“That will be one of Manny’s best assets. His ability to throw strong punches while moving out of the ropes," said two-time world champion Dodie Boy Peñalosa, who now works as one of Pacquiao’s assistant trainers.
Roach also denied reports circulating on the Internet that Pacquiao was knocked down in one sparring session last week.
Roach said no one has come close to flooring Pacquiao in any of their sparring sessions in their Baguio training camp.
Last weekend internet forums were deluged with queries and reports that Pacquiao got tagged by American sparring partner Porter.
“That’s a lie. I would know because I would have to pay. He’s getting hit but he’s never been floored ever. The money is still in my pocket," said Roach.
Roach has promised $1,000 for anyone who could put down Pacquiao during sparring.