Roach gets a feel of icon’s power hits

LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao’s last day of training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles last Monday was a good one. 

No, make that a tough one for Freddie Roach.

The five-time Trainer of the Year watched from his corner as Pacquiao sparred four rounds against a young Mexican. Then it was time for the mitts session.

After a handful rounds with the mitts Roach apparently said Pacquiao, all set for his fight with Juan Manuel Marquez, has never hit him as hard.

Pacquiao was told about it.

“It’s just a little sample,” said the Filipino boxing sensation in the middle of the ring, surrounded by mediamen who were given a few minutes with him.

Pacquiao was quite in a hurry because he had to travel to Las Vegas for fight week. Marquez arrived in Sin City a few hours ahead. 

It was reported that the private plane that was to bring Marquez to Los Angeles from Mexico City last Saturday developed mechanical trouble and had to turn back.

Marquez insisted on taking a commercial flight, which he did, despite being told that the same private plane could take him to LA the following day.

Tuesday noon, the boxers were formally welcomed at the MGM’s grand lobby.

Pacquiao was asked about his camp – whether or not they worked on going for a knockout.

“We trained both (ways),” Pacquiao said answering the question from the LA Times.

“If the fight is going the distance we’re prepared for that and we’re ready for that. We do our best to create a strategy to attack him and pressure him.

“And if I could have the chance to finish the fight why not? I have to grab that opportunity but my focus is to give a good fight and make people happy.”

Well, it’s always a good fight if it’s Pacquiao vs Marquez.

Saturday should be no exception.