Sparmates Talk About Manny Pacquiao's Skills, Speed, and Power

Two of Manny Pacquiao's spar mates who flew in from the US along with trainer Freddie Roach have talked about their first encounter with the Filipino boxer after their sparring sessions in the mountain city of Baguio in northern Philippines.

Glen Tapia, a New Jersey-based professional boxer who is undefeated in seven outings said he already knew Pacquiao's awesome power, fast hands and foot speed.

“What people don’t know, he’ll throw his punches and turn and then he will hit you some more,” said Tapia, who boasts of more than 100 victories as an amateur. He also holds five knockouts on seven wins as a pro.

“They should be scared,” he said of Pacquiao’s opponents.

The 5'11" boxer from New Jersey started sparring with Pacquiao in a four-round brief first session last Thursday.

What is dangerous about Manny Pacquiao is is ability to move around with relative ease and hit you from nowhere, he warned Pacquiao's opponents.

Pacquiao, who stands 5'6.5" is being trained by coach Freddie Roach on how to deal with taller fighters like Antonio Margarito who stands 5'11".

Pacquiao's more aggressive spar mate is Michael Medina, a six footer from Mexico. Medina has a 24-2 professional boxing record 19 of which were won via knockouts.

After his first session with Pacquiao, Medina said, "He is very fast."

"I've never sparred against a guy like Manny Pacquiao. I tried to pin him off the ropes but I couldn’t."

"He's the best I've ever sparred with."

Meanwhile, undefeated light middleweight Vanes Martirosyan will join Pacquiao's sparring partners when he arrives next week according to trainer Freddie Roach.

Another top notch boxer who will spar with Pacquiao is Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr who is the son of the legendary Mexican boxer bearing the same name. Chavez is also scheduled to arrive in Manila next week.

In the meantime, Pacquiao's opponent Antonio Margarito appears very confident of winning over the Filipino pound-for-pound king and has even planned for his next fight.

He said he wants to challenge Floyd Mayweather, Jr who refused to honor Pacquiao's invitation to fight in November, saying he is only good for one fight this year.

He also cited the random drug testing issue as a reason for the failed fight negotiations between his camp and Manny Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum who owns Top Rank promotions.

But a great number of boxing fans believe Mayweather would rather keep his "O" than suffers his first defeat and humiliation in the hands of the Filipino boxer.

Antonio Margarito is challenging Manny Pacquiao in a 12-round duel at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on November 13.