By John F. McKenna (McJack): World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 KO’s) demonstrated yesterday why sparring partners should never be too cocky or trash talk when sparring with the Filipino icon.

Manny is taking a no nonsense approach to the preparation for his November 12 match up with WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-5-1, 39 KO’s).

Apparently African born sparring partner Hastings Bwalya never got the message that you don’t try to show your boss up during sparring sessions. Hastings who sports an undefeated record of seven wins with five KO’s, was brought in as back up sparring partner at the behest of cut man Miguel Diaz. In their first get to know you sparring session Bwalya immediately starting trash talking, chuckling, egging Manny on and basically attempting to get under his skin. Hastings had earned a reputation as being a tough sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather while Floyd was prepping for his fight with Shane Mosley in May 2010.

Paacquiao wasted no time in responding to Bwalya’s taunts. In the 2nd round he opened up with blinding hand speed and impeccable footwork moving in and out at will against Bwalya. Instead of responding to Hastings trash talk, “Pacman” response was to open up with his fists on the former Zambia Olympian.

Manny landed a series of accurate punches and power combinations, culminating with a devastating uppercut. Hastings wound up bloody and helpless against the ropes and was finally sent to his corner so that he could wipe the blood from his face. Blood was flowing from Bwalya’s nose as Manny finally backed off allowing him to survive the round.

Pacquiao went the next four rounds with his regular sparring partner Ray Beltran who acquitted himself well minus the trash talk. Pacquiao and Beltran showed a mutual respect for each other.

Apparently not one to learn his lessons easily Bwalya remained loud and boisterous when he returned for rounds seven and eight, still chuckling and taunting Pacquiao. Pacquiao remained calm just smiling and moved in and out at will while raining punches on his hapless sparring partner. Hastings attempted counter punches came nowhere close to landing on Manny.

Afterwards Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach said that he would give Bwalya one more chance to prove himself before sending him home.

In attendance at the sparring sessions was Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, Amir Khan and the HBO 24/7 film crew. All in attendance were impressed at Pacquiao’s performance.