Manny Pacquiao (57-5-2, 38 KOs) commemorated St. Patrick’s Day with his first day of sparring as he prepares for his May 2 mega-fight against Floyd Mayweather (47-0, 26 KOs), at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Pacquiao went five hard rounds against two different sparring partners in his first day of sparring at the Wild Card Gym.
Contrary to earlier reports, Pacquiao is not sparring with Guillermo Rigondeaux in camp, although that would have made for an intriguing tag-team. On the other side of the fence, we do know that Floyd Mayweather is bringing in Zab Judah, offering him a speedy southpaw with power that he can get some work in against.
“When Manny threw out the first punch it felt like opening day of Irish Spring Training,” joked Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach.
“Manny looked so fresh today. I’m very happy with what he showed me. You couldn’t tell he had been away from the ring since the Algieri fight in November. Manny is on fire in the gym. I am confident May 2 will be celebrated for years to come as St. Manny’s Day – the day he drove Mayweather out of boxing!”
“After 13 days of strength and conditioning and boxing drills at Wild Card plus weeks more of working out in the Philippines in February, it was great to finally put on the headgear and spar,” said Pacquiao.
“My sparring partners gave me good work today. They were perfect for testing the strategy Freddie and I have developed to beat Floyd Mayweather . I was very happy with my stamina and speed today.”
