MANILA: With six weeks to go before his November 5 fight against World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Jessie Vargas in Las Vegas, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao sparred for four rounds with fellow Pinoy boxer Leonardo Doronio at the Elorde Gym in Pasay City.
The 5’7 lightweight pug Doronio holds a15-13-3 win-loss-draw record with 10 knockouts, reported Manila Times.
“It was really a great honor to spar with Senator Manny, a world class champion,” Doronio, 27, was quoted as saying. “I’m so happy to spar with him because I was able to learn what I need to improve.”
Despite wearing a headgear during the sparring session, the Iloilo native Doronio reportedly said that Pacquiao’s heavy and fast combinations were jarring.
“Sir Manny’s punches are too heavy and fast. He was solid and tough. I was even hurt. I gave my best and tried myself to hit him with all I’ve got but I always hit nothing. He impressively avoided my punches because he’s very quick. It is too exhausting to hit air,” Doronio added.
Assistant trainer Nonoy Neri shared his observation of the sparring session, “It’s very far,” said Neri, pertaining to Doronio’s skills compared with Pacquiao. “He (Doronio) got knock down but Manny didn’t force him. It’s a good sparring session.”
Pacquiao was quoted as saying that Doronio will be his sparmate for the week, “That’s just a sparring. I will get Doronio to be my sparring partner this week while waiting for coach Freddie (Roach) and the sparring partner he would bring.”
Roach is expected to arrive within the week bringing along Olympian Jose Ramirez, which will be Pacquiao’s sparring partner, reported Manila Times.
