Pacquiao's Star Shines In Hollywood
Filipino Superstar Holds Open Workout

Photos/Video & Report by Will "The Thrill" Trillo

 

Round 2 of the open workouts for the media in Los Angeles was held at The Wildcard Gym in Hollywood and the star of the show was Manny Pacquiao. Many was all smiles as he welcomed the media to his home gym and was ready to show that he was in top form for his upcoming September 10th fight against Hector Velazquez.
 

It was anything but business as usual in Freddie Roaches small upstairs gymnasium, but nevertheless plenty of top fighters were in attendance as each was preparing for upcoming battles. That list included, Bobby Pacquiao, Brian Viloria, and Kingsley Ikeke who all got in their work even though the gym was busting at the seams with members of the media. Ikeke was secure in his place as he felt that his career is in God's hands and he knows his shot is coming soon. Brian Viloria, who is also a part of the Double Trouble card said that he felt his hand speed would be the difference in his shot at Eric Ortiz's WBC Light Flyweight Title and he would come out with a victory come September 10th.
 

The crowd got a little restless as Manny was a bit late for his workout, but once he arrived everyone knew it was well worth the wait. The always happy Pacquiao made his way around the room and personally greeted everyone and thanked them for coming. After a quick change into his trademark boxing trunks Manny did his best to give everyone what they came for. With Roach firmly at his side the featherweight went through his full regiment of training which included shadow boxing, mitts, heavy bag, double end bag, speed bag and jumping rope and a final shakedown.
 

Afterward Manny spoke to a few of the media members and Boxing2005 was in the mix. If you want to hear what the Filipino fighter had say, please check out our FREE video which includes highlights of the entire day: Manny shadowboxing, hitting the mitts with Freddie, heavybag, speedbag, double end bag, and a shakeout! You will be glad you did!

 
Top Rank's ‘Double Trouble' championship card which will feature superstar Manny Pacquiao, the Philippines greatest sports hero, at the Staples Center on Saturday, September 10 and to be telecast by HBO.
 
Two-time world champion Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao (39-3-2, 30 KO's) of the Philippines will face world ranked Hector Velazquez (41-10-2, 30 KO's) of Tijuana , Mexico in a 12 round super featherweight bout.
 

Pacquiao is a former WBC flyweight and IBF Junior Bantamweight champion and is one of the most popular Filipino boxers today. His spectacular knockout victory over Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera in San Antonio in 2003 propelled him into the world stage.
 
Pacquaio then staged one of the best fight in 2004 when he had a dramatic draw with Juan Manuel Marquez, whom he dropped three times in the first round before getting the controversial draw from the judges.
 
 
Pacquiao showed a lot of heart against Eric Morales in their fight on March 19, having to fight with a bad cut in his eye for most of the fight against a great champion.
 
Velazquez, who is ranked #12 by the WBC, is hard hitting right-hander who has won five fights in a row and is 9-1-1 in his last 11 fights with his only loss coming to Rocky Juarez in a fight many at ringside felt was won by the roughed Mexican.
 

Velazquez has a victory over former world champion Guty Espadas and has faced the likes of Kevin Kelly, Robbie Peden, Israel Vazquez and Raul “Jibaro” Perez.
 
On his most recent bout on July 15 of this year Velazquez stopped Trinidad Mendoza in the fifth round. Velazquez is 3-0 in 2005 with wins over Guadalupe Hernandez and Marcos Licona this year.
 
The big Top Rank card will include a world title fight. Brian ‘The Hawaiian Punch' Viloria of Hawaii will challenge Eric Ortiz for his WBC lightweight flyweight title. Also, USA Olympian Vanes Martirosyan, who is handled by Shelly Finkel and trained by Freddie Roach, will box in a six-round bout.
 
 
Tickets for the MORALES, PACQUIAO 'DOUBLE TROUBLE' card which will
be held on Saturday, Sept. 10 at STAPLES CENTER in L.A. are
priced at $300, $200, $100, $50, $25.
For more info contact the Staples Box Office - (213)-742-7340


Questions or Comments? Please Contact Will "The Thrill" Trillo