Manny Pacquiao training stays on track

Baguio City: To prepare for the fight against Miguel, Manny Pacquiao spent the first half of his training in Baguio City, the Philippine's summer capital that sits atop the mountain peaks of Benguet Province 245 kilometres north of Manila.

At 5,000 feet above sea level, trainer Freddie Roach describes training conditions in Baguio as perfect.

"We've had a great start. This has been the best start we've ever had and he's more focused than I've ever seen him," Roach said during a break in training when Gulf News visited Team Pacquiao's training camp in Baguio.

Video: A round with Manny Pacquiao

"We started two weeks ago and we're entering the third week of training right now. As far as training is concerned, it's escalating."

"It has been a great training camp in Baguio. The atmosphere is good, the altitude is good. There's a little bit of bad weather but a little rain never hurts anybody," Roach added.

Roach said that he's very pleased with the pace of training and explained that they are gradually increasing the number of sparring rounds.

Video: Pacman versus Cotto

"On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, we do five rounds, six rounds and seven rounds of sparring, and we build it up until we peak at 12 rounds. And then two weeks before the fight, we start tapering off to save energy for the big night."

Roach also praised the performance and attitude of his ward during training, describing Pacquiao as a "machine" who just loves to work.

"We did 14 rounds in the mitts today and no rest period. Just straight through. He loves to work, that's why I just love working with him. People call me the best coach in the world and that's because of Manny Pacquiao," said Roach.

Team Pacquiao will continue to train at Roach's Wild Card Gym in LA and leave for Las Vegas a week before the fight.