Pacquiao runs, dribbles at start of training camp

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao hit the road early Wednesday in General Santos City then proceeded with a basketball dribbling session to open training camp for his rematch with Timothy Bradley.

A Philboxing.com report by Aquiles Zonio said Pacquiao braved the rain in Calumpang village in his hometown around 7:30 a.m. Wednesday to do some jogging. He reportedly went 10 laps around the track oval.

Afterwards, the Filipino icon was spotted dribbling two basketballs – one in each hand – in an effort to strengthen his arms.

“I decided to include in my training regimen ball dribbling exercise. This kind of exercise will further strengthen my hands and forearms,” Pacquiao said, again stressing how basketball has been part of his training regimen.

The fighting congressman capped off his workout with 300 sit-ups, the report added.

Trainer Freddie Roach is expected to arrive in the country sometime next week to supervise Pacquiao’s training for his April 9 fight with Bradley in Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s longtime assistant trainer and close friend Buboy Fernandez said they will start working the mitts this afternoon.

“Mitts session would start Thursday afternoon because the boxing ring at the Wild Card Gym underwent renovation and repainting. Anyway, we’re ahead of schedule so no need to rush,” Fernandez said in the same report.

Pacquiao will challenge Bradley for the WBO welterweight title, in their third fight. – Dino Maragay