Pacman kicks off training vs Diaz

Manny Pacquiao broke sweat at a local gym in Gen. Santos City yesterday as he started training for his June 28 showdown with David Diaz at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Pacquaio had no schedule in school for the day, and he didn’t waste any time, proceeding to the gym owned by his friend Rey Golingan at 2:30 p.m. and staying for more than two hours.

Pacquiao did everything but spar, according to his secretary Bren Evangelio. He worked out with brother Bobby Pacquiao although his Pinoy trainer, Buboy Fernandez, was not around.

It was the first day at the gym for Pacquiao since he took a break following his victory over Juan Manuel Marquez last March 15. It’s just 57 days before his battle with Diaz, the lightweight champion.

“Manny looked fine during the workout because he never really got out of shape after the Marquez fight. He’s been running in the morning and playing basketball in the afternoon,” Evangelio said.

Besides, Pacquiao, the reigning WBC super-featherweight champion, is moving up to 135 lbs, meaning it would be less stressful for him to make weight this time.

Diaz is into his second week of training in Chicago. Pacquiao will fly to Los Angeles on May 10 to begin a seven-week, non-stop grind under his chief trainer Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym.

And if he trains at the gym until the day he leaves for LA, Pacquiao can log in as much time as he’s done in previous fights. What’s important is that he gets to LA in good condition.

Pacquiao will be in Manila this afternoon and depending on his schedule may find time to work out at the Wild Card Gym in Parañaque. Later in the day he’ll be sitting down for a couple of meetings.

Then on Saturday, he flies to Cebu to watch Rodel Mayol in action against Thailand’s Wisan Sor Suchayna, and will be back in Gen. Santos City by Sunday or Monday, a school day.

He should be back at the gym to start off the week, too.