World Boxing Organization welterweight champ Manny Pacquiao is back from Melbourne where he capped his three-city sojourn in Australia and immediately announced his readiness to prepare for his coming titular date with Jeff Horn on July 2 at Brisbane’s 55,000-seat Suncorp Arena.
“Everything went well (in the Australian trip). Finally Horn and I met for the first time and it’s now time to prepare for the fight, “ Pacquiao whose party, including wife Jinkee, set foot shortly before midnight Friday, declared.
“Medyo magiging hard and rigid ang training ngayon. Malaki and kalaban at kung tutoo ang balitang natanggap natin from members of the Filipino community down Under and the Autralians themselves, Horn should not be taken for granted,” Pacquiao said
“May kalakihan nga, pero bahagya lang at walang masyadong magiging advangtage,” the Pacman’s closed in security Choy Garcia, who, along with assistant trainer Roger “Haplas” Fernandez was with the Autraslain trip assessed. “Pero kainlagan ding paghandaang mabuti.”
Training will definitely start next week, the reigning 147-pound kingpin assured adding he cannot ascertain yet the he will plunge into action.
Since senate session is set to resume on Tuesday (May 2), gym work may commence midweek, according to the eight division titlist.
“I am still waiting the report on the extent of damage brought about by the earthquake that hit GenSan (hometown General Santos City). Kararating lang kasi namin hatinggabi kagabi, kaya di pa ako nakatatanggap ng report, “ the 38-year-old lawmaker said.
“Kung malaki ang naging pinsala at kailangan kong pumunta doon bago madimula ang ensayo, lilipad tayo,” he said. “Kung minimal lamang naman, siguro the weekend after preparation ako bibisita,” he asserted.
Haplas said his Boss and members of the training team, including brother Buboy, Nono Neri and himself will meet tomorrow to decide on when the build up program will commence.
“Monday pa ang dating ni Buboy from Bicol kaya noon pa lamang mapag-dedesisyunan ang araw king kailan kami mag-start.” he said. “Meanwhile, resume na rin ang roadwork bukas (Sunday). “One week kasing di nakatakbo si Boss habang nasa Australia.”
Like Garcia, Haplas dimissed Horn’s perceived edge in height. “Matangkad lang, pero hindi naman hefty gaya ng report. Para lang si Vargas,” he said referring to the Mexican-American Jessie Vargas, at whose expense Pacquiao took the title last November.