Pacman starts training, aims for 5th world title

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao reported to Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles eager to begin a two-month long training that would prepare him against British boxer Ricky Hatton.

Pacquiao, who will face Hatton in “The Battle of East vs West" on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is on a mission to win his fifth world title in a different weight division.

"I’m hungry to win this fight. I want to make sure that I am in the best shape ever," said Pacquiao, who crossed the Atlantic and two time zones in just five days. "Having Freddie in my corner is a big help to me. He is a solid trainer and he teaches me a lot of strategy. I trust him, especially in the coming fight."

Roach, who was Pacquiao’s coach when he fought and won thrice last year, even introduced former heavyweight world boxing champion Michael Moorer to the Filipino boxing icon.

"He [Pacquiao] wants to get going. He is a smart guy in the ring when it comes to boxing," said Moorer, who is Roach’s assistant trainer at Wild Card Gym.

Pacquiao is aware of Hatton's reputation for using "dirty tactics." but he still respects the reigning International Boxing Federation and International Boxing Organization welterweight champion.

"We know that Hatton has dirty tactics," Pacquiao said. "But I still want to train hard because Hatton is a really good fighter. We are already studying his style and making adjustments."

If Pacquiao wins on May 2, he will get Hatton’s World Boxing Council lightweight and IBO welterweight championship belts.

“It would be an amazing thing for my boxing career," he said. "When I fight, it’s just not for my family, but it’s for all the Filipino people." – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151578/Pacman-starts-training-aims-for-5th-world-title

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