Manny Pacquiao gets in top shape in preparation for the mega bout with Errol Spence Jr.
A fiesta-like environment pervaded Manny Pacquiao’s morning run and exercise session at Griffith Park in Los Angeles on Friday, July 16 (Saturday, July 17, Philippine time).
After a grueling 6.2-mile (10 kilometers) uphill, downhill jog, and sprint, Pacquiao proceeded to the parking lot where a big crowd, including the touring Banda Maguey from Mexico and towering cheerleaders from Tennessee, were waiting.
“Today, it’s the longest run ever,” Pacquiao, hardly panting, told EsNews.
This was confirmed by Mandirigma Angeles, one of the few boxers and runners from more than 20 starters who were able to keep up with Pacquiao till the end.
“It’s our first time to take this route and we didn’t stop even once,” Angeles said.
Drawing energy from the throng of Fil-Ams, Asians, Americans, a Guatemalan, an El Salvadoran, and LAPD officers, Pacquiao eagerly went through the abdominal workouts and shadowboxed under the supervision of conditioning coach Justin Fortune.
Pacquiao was even doing clapping motions and timing his movements to the music beat of the 13-member Mariachi band which has been in existence for 30 years and has played in three continents.
According to Fortune, “He is really there (top shape),” putting Pacquiao’s readiness to tangle with Errol Spence Jr on August 21 at “80%.”
That’s why, Fortune admitted, “I’m holding him back a bit.”
Amid a lively, adoring throng, however, it’s hard to restrain Pacquiao from putting on a show.
