Pacquiao working on his punches while trainer Buboy Fernandez watches. Aquiles Zonio / MP Promotions
GENERAL SANTOS CITY— An inspired Manny Pacquiao started training in hopes of winning an unprecedented 11th world title against WBA welterweight champion Lucas Matthysse of Argentina at the Wild Card gym here.
After building enough stamina from his cardio workouts earlier in the week, Pacquiao reunited with long-time friends and trainers Buboy Fernandez and Raides “Nonoy” Neri and started slow, doing regular gym drills and plotting pre-fight strategies.
The Pacquiao vs. Matthysse fight dubbed “Fight of Champions,” is two and a half months away and is set at the glitzy Axiata Arena in Kuala Lumpur on July 15.
“I am excited to return to the ring once again and face a dangerous champion in a difficult and challenging fight,” said Pacquiao, the only eight weight division champion in boxing.
“I am inspired as I am also excited to face the champion,” added Pacquiao, noting that Matthysse packs power on both fists having won 36 of his 39 wins by knockout.
Pacquiao, the 39-year-old challenger, did mitts work with Fernandez. Both hoped to pick up steam in the middle stages of training camp. In his familiar workout, Pacquiao pounded the heavy bags and finished with his usual abs work routine.
Also a senator of the Philippines, Pacquiao is taking full use of the Senate recess to train without distractions before resuming work on May 14 to June 1 when the Philippine Senate reconvenes.
Then, Pacquiao gets his final push for the whole month of June up until fight day.
Pacquiao is also the promoter of this boxing extravaganza which promises to be the biggest boxing event in Malaysia in the last 43 years since Muhammad Ali faced Joe Bugner, also in Kuala Lumpur.