Manny poses toughest test to Barrera

(Editor’s Note: The following is a Q-and-A article by Christian Schmidt on IBF champion Manny Pacquiao for the Fightnews.com boxing website.)

He is not going to be the fan favorite Saturday night (Sunday morning in Manila) at the Alamodome in San Antonio. Nor is he the betting favorite in Las Vegas sportsbooks. But many people believe IBF jr. featherweight world champion Manny Pacquiao (37-2-1 with 29 KOs) poses a serious threat to featherweight king Marco Antonio Barrera.

Pacquiao is a southpaw with power and trainer Freddie Roach promises Manny will take it to Barrera. "We are planning to fight at a high pace. You cannot let Barrera, the veteran, dictate the pace of the fight. I think Manny can knock Barrera out, but we are ready to go all twelve rounds."

The Filipino star seemed to be in good spirits during a Tuesday workout in San Antonio, often joking around with the media, and even singing songs as he jumped rope. However, when he got in the ring to hit the mits with trainer Freddie Roach there was no joking around.

Later, Fightnews spoke with "The Destroyer."

How does Barrera rank compared to past opponents?

He is tough, he is good, and he is strong. He will be the best fighter I have ever faced in my career.

What specific things are you going to work on against Barrera?

Depends on what style he brings to the ring that night. We are going to adapt to whatever he brings. We do have a strategy, but that right now is confidential.

Have you detected any weaknesses in Barrera?

Yes, they are confidential as well (laughing).

This will be the first time you are fighting at 126 lbs? Will coming up four pounds affect you in any way?

No, 126 lbs is my fighting weight.

Will it be more difficult fighting in a pro-Barrera town?

No, because the fight is going to happen in the ring, not outside, so no that does not matter at all.

Is this the biggest fight of your life?

Yes, it is my first time to be the main event in America.

In your opinion is Barrera a top five pound-for-pound fighter?

Yes.

Can you give me your top five pound for pound list?

Roy Jones Jr., Oscar De La Hoya, Shane Mosley, Marco Antonio Barrera, Lennox Lewis. (No Order).

What is it like having Freddie Roach as a trainer?

He is good, very relaxed. He teaches me how to relax in the week leading up to the fight. He gives me dignity.

Does Roach give you an added confidence?

Definitely.

Can you give me a prediction for the Saturday night?

I do not give out predictions. I can promise that I will do my best to win this fight.

What message would you like to deliver to boxing fans before Saturday night?

I am going to pray to God that no one is going to get hurt on the excellent night for boxing, I would like to thank the people of San Antonio because they have been so supportive of boxing.