Sparmates Look to Cash In on Pacquiao’s Head

By ERICKSON BECO
October 8, 2010, 5:23pm

MANILA, Philippines —With four-time Trainer of the Year awardee Freddie Roach stepping up the tempo of Manny Pacquiao’s training session by the day, things are expected to get more heated and intense with yet another twist.

The 50-year old trainer has revived his challenge to the pound-for-pound king’s sparmates, offering a hefty cash bonus — $1,000 (P44,000.00) — to whoever could floor the gentleman from Sarangani during their sparring sessions.

And look who’s answered to Roach’s dare.

Undefeated middleweights Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr. (40 wins, 0 loss, 1 draw, 30 knockouts) and Vanes Martirosyan (28-0, 17 KOs) has heeded to Roach’s call and vowed to give everything they’ve got against the much smaller Pacquiao, who is eyeing yet another spot at the books by snatching an eighth world title in as many weight divisions against Antonio Margarito of Mexico next month.

"I am up for Freddie's challenge. I will be the first to drop Manny," said the 6-footer Martirosyan, who is set to head up north to Baguio City within the week to join fellow boxers Amir Khan, Michael Medina, and Glen Tapia as Pacquiao’s sparmates.

“I respect Manny a lot and I have learned a lot from him. He is a great fighter but I feel I am up to the challenge. That is why I always say I want to fight the best. I want to prove how good I am. It doesn't get much better than sparring with Manny Pacquiao,” Martirosyan was quoted in a report by Fight Hype.

Martirosyan and Chavez, Jr. are expected to arrive in the country within the week and put on their best games on top of the ring once they get face-to-face with the 30-year-old future Hall of Famer.

Both fighters will also be looking forward to getting top class training courtesy of Roach as they prepare for their own bouts before the year ends.

Martirosyan will be up against Pawel Wolak of New Jersey, USA in the undercard of Chavez, Jr.’s bout against Alfonso Gomez of Mexico on December 4 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California.

The fight will also feature another Filipino hotshot in Nonito Donaire, Jr., who will be pitted against Wladimir Sidorenko of Ukraine.

Sources:
Fanhouse
Boxing Scene
Fight Hype
Bettor.com