By John F. McKenna (McJack): Five time trainer of the year Freddie Roach is well pleased with what he has seen in WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO’s) since coming to Baguio City to observe his progress.

As a matter of fact, Roach is going as far as to say that boxing fans can expect a completely different fighter than the one who squeaked by with a highly controversial decision victory against Juan Manuel Marquez last November. In that fight most boxing observers felt that Marquez deserved the decision.

After his disappointing showing against Marquez, “Pacman” had a religious experience that he claims has changed his life for the better. Close associates of Manny can attest to that as he no longer engages in the late night partying and drinking. In addition Pacquiao no longer gambles and has given up his alleged womanizing.

In any case Roach feels that Manny’s new life of Bible study and his involvement in the church is a good thing and has eliminated the distractions that were known to sometimes cause the “Pacman” to lose focus.

Trainer Roach had long spoken of the distractions which have beset Pacquiao during the phase of his training in the Philippines. Freddie being the gentleman he is and not wishing to speak ill of his fighter never elaborated on what those distractions were. In light of Pacquiao’s lifestyle change and new found commitment to his faith it has become clear what those distractions were. It is also clear why Roach formerly would look forward with great anticipation to returning to his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood for the 2nd phase of Manny’s training.

Roach is amazed at Pacquiao’s progress and dedication to his training, even in the areas of training he was not keen of in the past. Pacquiao will be traveling to the U.S.A. to begin the 2nd phase of his training during the first week in May.

Pacquiao will clashing with the undefeated and tough WBO light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley (28-0-1 NC, 12 KO’s) on June 9 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. Bradley is listed by Ring Magazine as the #8 Pound for Pound fighter in the world and is looked upon as being a legitimate and dangerous challenger for the Filipino icon. Manny will be training with Rusian Provodnikov whose style closely approximates that of Bradley’s. Roach brought Rusain all the way from Siberia for his training stint with Pacquiao.