Manny Pacquiao Knocks Down Second Sparring Partner in Training; Now $2K Richer?

Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has knocked down a second sparring partner, according to Ronnie Nathanielsz of Boxing Scene/Manila Standard (h/t Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN).

Via Nathanielesz:

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FOLLOWING another torrid sparring session, in which he went a total of nine rounds, Manny Pacquiao dropped a second  sparring partner at the Wild Card Gym on Tuesday and showed he is at his best in preparation for his fourth fight against Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Dec. 9...

ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo, who covered the training session, said Pacquiao sparred three rounds apiece with Frankie Gomez and the twins Jose and Jessie Roman, knocking down the latter in the process.

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Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, offers Pacquiao the prize money every time the Filipino fighter knocks down his sparring partner, saying as much in a September 21 interview with Michael Marley of The Examiner. Should that interview's claim still stand, Pacquiao has become at least $2,000 richer thanks to his performances in the ring.

Pacquiao is known for holding back on his sparring partners even when an opportunity comes during sparring session. Pacquiao and his past sparring partners usually end up as good friends.

His recent aggression could be him testing if indeed he still have the power to do the same to Marquez. Roach broached the power topic in a recent call.

"Our strategy for this fight is to be more aggressive. Develop strength more and focus on speed. I am not worried about his strength," Roach said in the most recent Pacquiao-Marquez conference call (h/t philboxing.com).

“I don’t think muscle-men have a better chin. If anything, I think if you put a lot of muscle he will be a little slower than he used to be and we are going to take advantage of that."

Pacquiao and Marquez will clash on Saturday, December 8 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.