Manny Pacquiao has reportedly engaged in his first sparring session on Friday in preparation for his upcoming welterweight clash with Brandon Rios on Nov. 24 at Venetian Macao in Macau, China.
According to a local Radio Station Bombo Radyo, Pacquiao's first sparring went well, as he dominated a much heavier sparring partner in middleweight contender Marlon Alta at Pacman's Wildcard Gym in General Santos City.
The 34-year-old Pacquiao showcased excellent footwork, great hand speed and his signature left hook. Alta reportedly did an excellent job in simulating the fighting style of Rios, who is considered an aggressive but one-dimensional brawler.
Alta, who was tabbed as last minute replacement for Korean sparring partner Min Wook-Kim, was successful in putting pressure on Pacquiao, but the former pound-for-pound king was simply too fast and powerful for him to contain.
Meanwhile, former two-division world champion Gerry Penalosa detailed the disappearance of Pacman's Korean sparring mate. Penalosa said Min hasn't been found ever since the boxer and his manager argued about an undisclosed issue.
Still, it appears that Min's absence won't derail Pacquiao's preparation for his comeback fight. In fact, Freddie Roach is expected to arrive in the Philippines around Oct. 8 or 9 to kick start the crucial phase of training camp.
Mr Roach will be bringing sparring mates coming from Japan and Ghana to toughen the mettle of Pacquiao, who hasn't fought ever since absorbing a sixth-round TKO at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez in the fourth chapter of their rivalry last December.
The fighting congressman already started doing drills in Manila 3 weeks ago, but it was just last weekend when he began to do some roadwork and intense training session on the mitts.
Pacquiao's former conditioning partner Alex Ariza has already joined Rios camp after their unceremonious split following the Marquez fight.
Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios showdown will be live on HBO PPV on Nov 23, Saturday night in the States.