Pacquiao's sparmates arriving on Sunday
Manny Pacquiaoâs physical conditioning will be further put into test as two tough sparmates are set to arrive in Baguio this weekend. Sparring for the Filipino champion starts by Tuesday as promising welterweight Shawn Porter and preferred choice Urbano Antillon are flying over here Sunday from the U.S. Coming over from Los Angeles, the two will be immediately whisked to the countryâs summer hideaway, giving them at least two days to get accustomed to Baguio Cityâs high-altitude weather, located some 1,500 meters above sea level. The 30-year old Pacquiao has been in the City of Pines for almost a week now as he tries to get in the best shape of his career for a November 14 date with Miguel Cotto for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt.
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Through with the first week of the camp, trainer Freddie Roach believes the boxing champion is now ready for sparring. âHeâs ready to spar," said Roach after engaging Pacquiao for 10 rounds with the mitts Friday. Antillon has been a regular Pacquiao sparmate in training camp, the last of which came when he fought Briton Ricky Hatton last summer for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) junior-welterweight title. âUrbano is definitely the toughest sparring partner for Manny," said Roach of the Mexican lightweight now based in Maywood, California. âHe gets hit a little too much, but he always comes back with his own."