Pacquiao braves the cold to train for Clottey bout

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 02/08/2010 3:33 PM

MANILA, Philippines – Despite being dubbed the world's pound-for-pound king, three-time Fighter of the Year Manny Pacquiao said he still toils to improve his skills to become an even better fighter.

Pacquiao, a 7-division champion and acknowledged Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), said his training camp in the United States is now entering its final 5 weeks before his scheduled bout with Ghanaian boxer Joshua Clottey.

He said that despite the rain and the cold, he still wakes up early to train and prepare for the match.

“Kahit na ako ang tinitingalang kampeon ng mundo, hindi iyan sapat na dahilan upang ako ay hindi tumakbo sa umaga at mabasa ng ulan,” Pacquiao wrote in his February 7 “Kumbinasyon” column on PhilBoxing.com.

He added: “Sa buhay ng isang boksingero, walang day-off, walang dahilan upang pigilan ang paghahanda sa laban kahit gaano kasungit ang panahon."

The Pacquiao-Clottey clash will be held on March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt will be at stake.

Sacrifices

The Filipino boxing sensation went on to talk about the other sacrifices he has been making.

He said that because of the training, he was unable to be with his eldest child, Emmanuel Jr. or Jimuel, on his 9th birthday. He said he just called up his son to wish him a happy birthday and explain why he could not go home.

Pacquiao said time has passed so quickly since he was a struggling boxer trying to establish a name.

“Parang kailan lang, baby pa lang ang aking anak, ngayon ay malaki na at malapit nang magbinata. Parang kailan lang, nagsisimula pa lang ako na gumawa ng pangalan sa ibabaw ng ring at hinarap ko ang lahat ng mga kalabang ipinalaban sa akin ng aking manager at promoter," he said.

“I have sacrificed a lot of blood, sweat, aches and tears before I became Fighter of the Decade. I thank the Lord God for giving these blessings. I will not stop to fight and fight harder so that I can give more joy and excitement in the ring to all of my fans. They are the reasons why I try to become better and better each fight.”

Worthy recipient

He also mentioned that his awards, such as the Fighter of the Year and Fighter of the Decade honors, push him to "fight more and improve more, so I can give more entertainment to all of the boxing fans throughout the world.”

Pacquiao wrote in an earlier “Kumbinasyon” column that he wants to prove that he is worthy of the recent recognitions given by the BWAA.

“Kailangan ko ring patunayan na ako talaga ang karapat-dapat na makakuha ng award na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalabas ng isang panibagong obra-maestra sa ibabaw ng ring. At kailangan kong lumabas na kahanga-hanga.”

He said that proving himself on March 13 will not be as simple because he will be facing a tough opponent: “Marami ang nagsasabing magiging madali lang para sa akin ang laban na ito pero para sa akin, lubhang mapanganib ang sagupaang ito dahil na rin sa taglay na lakas, laki at bilis ni Clottey.”

He added, “Dahil sa mas maliit tayo sa laban, mas magiging mahirap na manalo kontra sana sa mga kalabang kasinlaki natin, gaya ng mga laban sa 135 pounds.” – with a report from PhilBoxing.com

Source: ABS-CBNnews.com