Pacman climbs ring no heavier than 151 lb

MANILA
, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao will not carry any excess baggage when he climbs the ring against Antonio Margarito.

“One-fifty,” said Pacquiao when asked how much he intends to weigh on the night of Nov. 13 when he disputes the vacant WBC super-welterweight (154 lb) crown against the towering Mexican in Arlington, Texas.

A catchweight of 151 lb has been agreed upon by both camps, and Pacquiao said Wednesday evening he’s around the vicinity. He did look trim even in his business suit, considering that it’s been six months since he last fought.

“I’m around 151 right now,” he said.

Pacquiao has fought his last two fights at 147 lb, with a catchweight of 145 for Miguel Cotto last November, and a full weight against Joshua Clottey last March. On both matches, Pacquiao climbed the ring no heavier than 151 lb.

He wants to do the same against Margarito, at 5-foot-11 almost four inches taller than the Filipino. By fight night, the 32-year-old Mexican could be more than 10 lb heavier, too.

Pacquiao should be comfortable if he shows up for the official weigh-in at around 147 lb and climb the ring the following day at just slightly over 150 or probably as heavy 152 lb.

The reigning welterweight champion, so busy with his new duties as congressman of Sarangani, said training begins on Sept. 20 in Baguio City. But yesterday he once again brought up the idea of training in Manila.

Wherever he ends up, he must train hard.

“Margarito is a giant. He’s a mountain,” said Pacquiao’s long-time friend and mentor, former Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza, during the boxer’s fund-raising event for his ambitious projects for his home province.

“Masyado malaki. But Manny can handle him once he starts hitting Margarito in any part of the body. Remember, there’s an old saying that ‘The bigger they are, the harder they fall,’” said Atienza.

The former Environments secretary also said Pacquiao should start training as soon as possible, and if needed set aside his duties as member of the House of Representatives.

“With his busy schedule now, he better settle down and train. It’s going to be a tough fight. He has to be ready. Margarito is a hungry fighter. But Manny has to beat him. Period,” he added.

Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach, Alex Ariza, is arriving on Sept. 13 from Los Angeles to make sure the Filipino icon is loosened up by the time Freddie Roach comes in.

Pacquiao and Ariza said they want Baguio as training site for Pacquiao, and not in Manila where “there are too many distractions.”


source phil star