Manny Pacquiao gained some pounds but packs a more powerful punch now to challenge lightweight champ David Diaz. But for the same reason, his lost some speed. This is the assessment made by Manny Pacquiao (World Boxing Council super featherweight champ) mentor Freddie Roach.
"I think it's probably a lot better at this weight, but the speed is a little bit... a slight difference in that," Roach said. "But when he gets to fighting weight of 135, I think his speed will come back."
Last Saturday, Pacquiao weighed in at 142 lbs., or 7 lbs. over the lightweight limit. The Filipino champ, who did 10 sparring rounds on Wednesday (Tuesday in Los Angeles, where he's training), hopes to shed and be in top shape in a few days.
Pacquiao will fight the Mexican-American Diaz, who lives in Chicago, on June 28 (June 29 in the Philippines) at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.
It will be the first time that Pacquiao will tangle with a leftie like him, which is why he's slightly altered his training.
