Pacquiao rarin’ to go to war

No retreat, no surrender, no fear.

That’s Manny Pacquiao’s battlecry as he girds for war against International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior featherweight champion Lehlo Ledwaba of South Africa at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday night (Sunday morning, Manila time).

Last weekend, Pacquiao wrapped up heavy training at the Wild Card Boxing Club gym in Hollywood and completed over 40 rounds of sparring under trainer Freddie Roach’s watch. He arrived in Las Vegas yesterday with manager Marty Elorde, business manager Rod Nazario, trainer Ben Delgado, and featherweight Orlando Villaflor.

Pacquiao told The STAR in an overseas phone call the other day he’s ready for war. Making the 122-pound limit is no problem, he added. Pacquiao tipped the scales at 123 in a mock weigh-in last Saturday.

Roach, who was Eddie Futch’s chief assistant trainer for six years before opening his own stable in 1994, said there’s no junior featherweight today in Pacquiao’s class. No one hits and works harder, he noted. Roach said World Boxing Council (WBC) superbantamweight titlist Willie Jorrin – whom he also trains – and former champion Johnny Tapia are no match for Pacquiao.

Ledwaba, however, is a different story. The South African is a clinical ring technician and vicious body puncher whose nickname, like Roberto Duran’s, is "Hands of Stone." He hasn’t lost since his 12th bout eight years ago and boasts a 33-1-1 record, with 22 KOs.

Veteran referee Bruce McTavish said Pacquiao’s problem is holding down the elusive Ledwaba. "If Manny nails him, Ledwaba’s gone," said McTavish, a New Zealander who has lived in Angeles City for over 30 years. "Manny’s got to fight him like Rocky Marciano – all-out attack from the first bell because Ledwaba’s tough to hit."

Pacquiao said he’s learned a lot from Roach who boxed for 10 years as a fringe featherweight contender and retired in 1988. Roach taught Pacquiao how to avoid getting hit by moving his head, how to cover up after throwing a punch, how to defend against Ledwaba’s piston-like left jabs, and how to cut the ring off to create a standing target.

Roach lined up a platoon of Mexican sparmates to test Pacquiao. The sparmates – including former world titlist Alejandro (Cobrita) Gonzalez and Jorge (Maromero) Paez – were battered black and blue. In a session, Pacquiao would face three different sparmates, some for two rounds, other for three – depending on how long they survive.

Pacquiao said he phones his wife Jinky and speaks to their newly-born son everyday. "Miss na miss ko na sila," confessed Pacquiao who left his family in General Santos City last May 17 to seek fame and fortune in the US. "Bawat suntok ko kay Ledwaba, dedicated sa pamilya ko."

Pacquiao said he’s fighting for his countrymen, for President Arroyo and her son, his best friend, Mikey. "Ipaglalaban ko ang ating bansa – ibibigay ko ang lahat," he promised.

Pacquiao declined to make a prediction on the outcome. He said he’s aware of Ledwaba’s skills. He’s worn out a tape of Ledwaba’s last fight, a win on points over Mexican Carlos Contreras, carefully studying the South African’s style.

"Magaling siya at malakas," said Pacquiao. "Subalit, tao lamang siya, kagaya ko. Sa ibabaw ng ring, patibayan na lang ng loob. Matira ang matibay. Sa fighting spirit, magkakatalo – at sa tingin ko, lamang ako d’yan."

Joe Cortez will referee the fight. Judges are Bill Graham, Jerry Roth, and Deborah Barnes – all Americans.

Pacquiao said he’s booked to return to the Philippines on June 26. Then, he plans to go back to the US for another fight in August.