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LAS VEGAS— Inside the IBA Gym, Manny Pacquiao darts in and out of Freddie Roach’s mitts.
Wearing a red shirt drenched in sweat and white shorts, Pacquiao’s dazzling hand speed and blazing footwork is witnessed by a small group of Filipino fans. Former heavyweight champion Michael Moore oversees the training session.
Moore’s voice booms inside the gym.
"Are you ready?"
Pacquiao grunts, "Yes, I’m ready."
He hits Roach’s mitts harder causing the latter to fall back momentarily. Roach turns to this reporter and nods approvingly
"He’s in his peak," said Roach to the Asian Journal. "We’re ready for Ricky."
Pacquiao held his last workout on Thursday, April 30 before Saturday’s much-anticipated match against The Pride of Manchester Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Roach said that it was the final walkthrough of their game plan. Throughout the two-hour workout, it’s hard not to be impressed with Pacquiao’s superb conditioning.
About 30 minutes of mitt works, another 30 minutes of walk through preparations, 30 minutes with the double-ended bag and other boxing drills and the last half hour was spent stretching and grueling abdominal exercises.
Afterwards, Pacquiao took off his shirt and did his best Mr. Olympia impersonation, flexing his cut muscles to the delight of the crowd.
With only a day remaining, Pacquiao tries to relax by watching the NBA playoffs.
He said watching TV is part of his pre-fight routine.
He’s relaxed and prepared, he said. "I’m ready for Hatton."
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