World Champions line up to spar with Pacquiao

A “DREAM TEAM” OF CHAMPIONS will be tapped to spar with superstar Manny Pacquiao when he plunges into serious training for his monumental showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. next year.

Pacquiao, who is slated to begin training in the second week of January in Baguio City, will be facing quick-fisted, skillful fighters in his buildup for his WBO welterweight title defense, according to a Philboxing.com report.

It said trainer Freddie Roach, who has guided Pacquiao’s career with wins over the biggest names in boxing in this generation, has already chosen WBA junior welterweight king Amir Khan as the Pacman’s chief sparmate.

Khan, also a Roach protege, is coming off an impressive title defense over Dmitri Salita.

Another big name being considered is Andre Berto if he doesn’t get cut or injured in his January duel with Shane Mosley for the WBC and WBA world welterweight championship.

According to Philboxing.com, Roach also wants WBC junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley on the sparring partner list.

“Other than Amir Khan as Pacquiao’s main sparring partner, I like to include Timothy Bradley on my list,” Roach said.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao wants his protege, WBC light flyweight champ Rodel Mayol, to stage his first title defense in the undercard of his fight with Mayweather on March 13 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Sources close to Team Pacquiao said the superstar will ask the WBC to allow Mayol to fight in his card, possibly in a rematch with Edgar Sosa or against Omar Nino Romero.

“Manny said he will personally make sure Mayol gets to fight in the March 13 card, as he wants Mayol to train alongside him,” said the source. “He wants to monitor Mayol’s training.”

Source: inquirer.net