Roach's advice: Stay clear of the ropes

AMERICAN trainer Freddie Roach knows how Manny Pacquiao's rival Antonio Margarito works, so he advised the Filipino icon to outsmart the Mexican brawler.

Entering their sixth day of training in the summer capital, Roach, during their work-out sessions Saturday and another six rounds of boxing, told Pacquiao many times to stay away from the ropes and constantly dance inside the ring and not to be caught with the solid 1-2 punches Margarito is famous for.

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But Roach nonetheless is happy with the way the training is going, especially during the sparring sessions with Glen Tapia.

"His rhythm is already there and his foot works are simply amazing but he is not yet 100 percent pretty obviously," said the four-time Trainer of the Year.

Pacquiao and Roach also worked a lot on throwing punches from different angles, and moving out of the ropes and avoid getting clipped by Margarito's elbows, or by a head butt.

For 13 tough rounds Friday, Roach emphasized the importance of not allowing himself to stay in front of the 5-foot-11 Mexican or even get cornered.

Pacquiao had the luxury of staying on his feet when he fought Clottey the last time at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas where his November 13 title bout with Margarito will also be held. After all, the 31-year-old challenger from Ghana hardly threw any punches, content with covering his face with both hands.

Pacquiao sparred with Michael Medina Saturday afternoon before motoring down to Manila for his daughter's birthday later and promised to be back late Sunday so he could resume work out Monday.

Tapia was the first to spar with the fighting congressman of Sarangani province, saying it was a great work-out. He issued a slight warning to Pacquiao's rival Floyd Mayweather Jr. and others wanting to challenge Pacquiao.

"He's just as fast and the power is still there. His footwork is good so everybody should be scared," said the undefeated Tapia when he spoke to media. "Because of his speed, he'll throw his punches and turn and then he will hit you some more."

The People's Champ returned to the Summer Capital to train for his November 13 fight for the vacant World Boxing Council light-middleweight title. (Roderick Osis)