Pacquiao 85 percent in shape

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Just like that, Manny Pacquiao, after showing signs of weakness the other day, is back in shape.

The world’s greatest boxer showed up at the Shape Up Gym yesterday and sparred six rounds against Mexicans Glen Tapia and Michael Medina a day after skipping his roadwork and gym session due to colds.

“Wala naman (It’s nothing),” an insider quoted Pacquiao as saying.

True enough, whatever kept him inside his hotel suite the whole of Wednesday hardly showed in his sparring session that left his Pinoy trainer Buboy Fernandez saying he’s close to 85 percent ready.

Pacquiao did not go out for his morning roadwork yesterday but his handlers said he should be out at the Burnham Park today, a non-sparring day, and be with his team, including strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

Even Freddie Roach was so happy to see Pacquiao back in the gym.

“It’s normal. It happens to every boxer. Maybe it’s because of the changing weather,” said Fernandez, who doused fears that Pacquiao’s training camp has been stalled by his reported bout with sinusitis or colds.

Fernandez said Pacquiao even played basketball Wednesday evening at the Cooyeesan Plaza Hotel to shake off the virus.

“All he needed was to sweat it out and a glass of hot calamansi (lemon) juice. Now he’s okay,” added Fernandez.

Amir Khan, the reigning WBA super-welterweight champion, is now in Baguio to join the training camp as he also prepares for his Dec. 11 fight with Argentine Marcos Maidana at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

“I’ve always wanted to join Pacquiao’s camp and learn from it,” said the rising star from Britain.

He said he’s behind Pacquiao all the way as the Filipino icon gears up for his Nov. 13 showdown with rugged Mexican Antonio Margarito.

“I’m totally behind Manny Pacquiao. I think Manny is the best fighter in the world,” he told www.insidesports.ph, adding that he doesn’t see the fight lasting more than nine rounds.

“Whoever you put in front of Manny Pacquiao, I think Manny will beat easily. He’s got the skill, he’s got the speed, he’s got the footwork. This fight I think Manny will stop him maybe in round eight or nine,” he was quoted as saying.