Manny Pacquiao Update: Pacquiao in tip-top shape

By Cedelf P. Tupas

MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao found a tough sparring partner in lightweight prospect Urbano Antillon, who engaged the Filipino star in an enthralling six-round session Wednesday at the Wild Card gym.

Tapped by Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach because of the similarity of his fighting style to British brawler Ricky Hatton, Antillon constantly pressured Pacquiao, who even slipped and fell to the canvass in the third round as he tried to evade an Antillon attack, Gabriel Montoya of maxboxing.com reported.

“[Antillon] is more of a Ricky Hatton type of style than Jorge Linares,” Roach said. Linares sparred with Pacquiao last week.

Roach said Pacquiao is looking sharp in training with five weeks to go before the May 2 bout.

“He (Pacquiao) is boxing really well. We’ve got the game plan all worked out and I’m really happy with where he is at.” read more