A longtime confidant of Manny Pacquiao thinks the former eighth-division world champion is hungrier than ever following his back-to-back losses last year.
Wakee Salud, who has witnessed the rise of the Filipino champ from a lanky amateur boxer to pound-for-pound king, said Pacquiao will be back to his old, brutal self when he faces Brandon Rios on Nov. 23 at Venetian Macao in Macau, China.
Salud believes the losses Pacquiao suffered at the hands of Tim Bradley (a 12 round split decision) and Juan Manuel Marquez (sixth round TKO) adversely affected not only his boxing career but also his marketability.
However, Salud is confident these setbacks will give him more motivation to come up with another sensational performance when he returns inside the squared circle.
"When a boxer is coming off a loss, the popularity and endorsements deals usually take a step back," Salud told Spin.ph. "I think Manny is aware of that. If he will be able to beat Rios, Pacquiao will regain all the accolades and sponsorship deals he lost."
When asked if he thinks Pacquiao is more prepared now than he had in his last two fights, Salud said "definitely."
"Manny is an extraordinary fighter. His heart and determination to win is beyond comparison. He'll return in a big way," said Salud. "His courage hasn't yet faded. His focus in training was slightly off, but he'll do better this time."
Pacquiao is expected to begin his training camp around October, while Rios has been starting to work out ever since his fight with the former pound-for-pound king was announced.
The Filipino will not stage his training camp at the Wildcard Gym of his trainer Freddie Roach or in Baguio City but in his hometown in General Santos City, Philippines.