Ifugao rites mark end to training

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines  – Baguio City sent off boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao via a native Ifugao ritual Thursday night as the pound-for-pound king wrapped up his two-week high-altitude training here.

An Ifugao “baki” (high priest) saw Pacquiao’s success against Sugar Shane Mosley in their May 7 duel following the ritual of sacrificing a chicken and making a “reading” of its bile.

Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan, himself a true-blooded Igorot, made an indigenous chant, bidding the boxing champ good luck and praying to Kabunian (Cordillera God) that the congressman-fighter will finish off his opponent early.

Pacquiao spent the first two weeks of his training for the Mosley fight at the City of Pines and his corner were more than satisfied with the result of the camp.

“He’s now 85 percent in shape,” said assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez, assessing the boxing icon’s fitness before Team Pacquiao left for Manila yesterday morning.

He was able to get into shape early in training,” Fernandez said, satisfied with Pacquiao’s timing, and stamina a good five weeks before he enters the ring against Mosley.

Upon reaching Manila, Pacquiao will reportedly hit the gym at the Elorde facility for his last pair of sparring sessions.

Team Pacquiao is scheduled to leave for Los Angeles Saturday together with trainer Freddie Roach and British champion Amir Khan for the final stages of his training camp.