Pacquiao not yet in fighting shape, says trainer Roach

Freddie Roach watched as Manny Pacquiao trade heavy blows with Russian sparmates Ruslan Provodnikov and Rustam Nugaev Tuesday at the Shape Up gym in Baguio City and he was not impressed on his ward's performance. Roach, the Boxing Writers Association of America five-time Trainer of the Year, admitted that they have still more than one month left to fine tune Pacquiao's fight plan opposite Timothy Bradley Jr. The eight-division world champion will put his his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title on the line against the undefeated American challenger on June 9 (June 10 PHL time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 52-year-old American trainer, however, is not worried. "I don't expect him to be ready for the fight yet. Not even close. We still have a long way to go, but I'm happy we have all the time." Pacquiao sparred six rounds on Tuesday, four against the 28-year-old Provodnikov and two opposite Nugaev, the same sparmate that helped the Fighting Congressman from Sarangani province prepare for his fights against Erik Morales and Oscar Larios in 2006. Pacquiao was clearly in control of his four-round sparring against Provodnikov, a light-welterweight prospect that holds a 21-1 record with 14 knockouts. The Russian hammered Pacquiao's body and even gave the Filipino boxing icon several head-snapping blows. The 29-year-old Nugaev also did the same and even dared the General Santos City native to give it his all in their two-round session. The result left Nugaev with a bloody nose. The Perm, Russia born fighter was still impressed with Pacquiao's performance. "He's still fast, but he's got more experienced, and more power. He still has the same speed, still the best." Roach expects Pacquiao to get his rhythm and timing when they move training camp at his Wild Card gym in Los Angeles next week. Pacquiao ends his high altitude training camp on Thursday and leaves for Los Angeles on Saturday night. Strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, who left Pacquioa's training camp in Baguio City to help Julio Cesar Chavez for his upcoming middleweight title bout opposite Andy Lee, is expected to join Team Pacquiao in Los Angeles.