Pacquiao back in RP for training, Congress

MANILA, Philippines – Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao revealed that he told “Tijuana Tornado” Antonio Margarito of Mexico to train hard for their November 13 fight.

But the Filipino boxing icon said that not to warn the Mexican but to remind him to be prepared to give a good show to the fans at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas as well as the millions who will be watching at home.

“Sabi ko ‘mag-training ka nang mabuti,” Pacquiao told reporters at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Monday. “Kailangan magandang performance ang maibigay natin sa tao.”

The 7-division world champion and Sarangani province Rep. Manny Pacquiao is back in the country to buckle down to business as a boxer and congressman.

Pacquiao, who arrived in Manila from Los Angeles, California Monday morning, said he is set to start jogging this week.

“This week, mag-start na tayo mag-training. Jogging muna, pa-kundisyon,” he said. “Tapos ‘yung gym siguro next week na mag-start. But now pa jogging-jogging muna, pa-condition muna kasi malayo pa ‘yung fight. Dalawang buwan pa so may time pa."

He also assured that he will be able to balance his training with his attendance in congressional sessions.

“Walang problema. Ang Congress naman namin ay 4 o'clock [in the afternoon] ang start ng session so from morning to the afternoon, diba wala namang ginagawa? Ano ang gagawin natin? Training,” he stated.

Pacquiao will aim to win his 8th world title when he faces Margarito for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight belt.

He mentioned that he is not worried about facing the much taller and heavier Mexican.

“Gusto ko ‘yung mga challenge na fight,” he remarked. “Gagawin natin ang lahat ng makakaya natin.”

He also commented, “Parang matangkad pa siya kay [Oscar] de la Hoya eh. Mas mataas kay Oscar yata pero okey lang, pag-aralan nating mabuti ‘yung strategy.”

Margarito stands at 5’11 while de la Hoya’s height is 5’10’’. Pacquiao, on the other hand, stands at 5’6.5’’.

Pacquiao also had something to say about Margarito’s character.

“Parang nababaitan ako sa kaniya. Akala ko magsalita siya ng masama pati kampo niya,” he stated. “Hindi ‘yung inaakala ko… Pinuri pa nila ako nung presscon.”

Pacquiao and Margarito took part in a US media tour last week.

Dominic Almelor, ABS-CBN News