Pacquiao reports late, but in shape for training camp

• Manny Pacquiao will fight Juan Manuel Marquez for the fourth time on Dec. 8
• The eight-time world champion reported to camp two days late, but in great shape
• Pacquiao says he will leave no doubt by knocking Marquez out this time.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. -- At 33, Manny Pacquiao, once the world's preeminent fighter, knew there were going to be days like this at the Wild Card Boxing Club: Hot afternoons when little-known sparring partners pounce on him and make him pay.

Tuesday was his second day in training camp, and the Filipino struggled at times in his first six rounds of sparring in preparation for a Dec. 8 welterweight fight against nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao boxed three rounds each against 147-pounder Ray Beltran and 154-pounder Suhrab Shidaev.

"It was good for his first day (of sparring)," Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach said. "He played a little bit with Shidaev — he won't make that mistake again. It's time to get serious."

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum was in attendance at the closed session.

"They gave Manny a little bit of a tough time," Arum said. "That's OK. It's going to be a tough (fight)."Said Beltran: "With Manny, it's really hard. He makes you think every second. He makes your timing and determination even better."

The eight-division world champion reported to training camp Monday two weeks late and was tardy for his first session. But to Roach's delight, his fighter uncharacteristically was prepared to immediately slip on the gloves and get into the ring for a spirited session with the hand-mitts.

"He told me, 'I'm coming into camp in shape,'

" Roach said. "He told me he's been running and (playing basketball and volleyball). He is ahead of schedule, per se. He's in pretty good shape. Normally, we start off with four (rounds on the mitts)."

Pacquiao and Roach, 52, have authored one of the sport's most successful
fighter-trainer combinations during their 11-year partnership. The 52-year old Hall of Fame trainer was pleased Pacquiao arrived for camp prepared for an intense six-week session.

Pacquiao had promised he would spend eight weeks in Los Angeles. Instead, he spent two weeks back home working on his legs in the extreme heat, which he prefers. His legs cramped during a 2011 fight against Shane Mosley.

Pacquiao arrived late Saturday after a 15-hour flight from the Philippines. "I felt so energized being back here working with Master Freddie," Pacquiao said.
"It was a good day.''

At one time unquestionably considered the world's pound-for-pound best
fighter, Pacquiao is battling to regain top form. He vows to deliver a decisive
knockout or stoppage of the Mexican counterpuncher after two close decisions and a draw. Pacquiao has not fought since June, when he lost a controversial split decision to Tim Bradley.

After Miguel Cotto spurned Arum's offer to fight Pacquiao, the promoter
turned to Marquez, a more lucrative bout than an immediate Bradley rematch
because of the Latino pay-per-view marketplace.

Initially, Pacquiao did not want a fourth fight against tricky Marquez, but agreed to the bout when convinced it was his best financial option.

Pacquiao's mother, Dionisia, has said she wants her son to knock out Marquez
within the first two rounds. He is eager to comply. Asked if he desires to
finally shut up the four-division king — who repeatedly has insisted he won all
three encounters — Pacquiao flashed a big grin and told USA TODAY Sports: "Yes, I do."

Wearing gray trunks and a blue sleeveless T-shirt, Pacquiao also whacked the heavy bag, smacked the speed bag and double-end bag, and skipped rope.
He has customarily averaged about 150 rounds of sparring in camp, but Roach said he will limit him to about 100 this time. "Manny doesn't need those (gym) wars anymore," the trainer said.

Roach gamely held the mitts for 10 rounds Monday as his fighter pounded away with quick inside flurries. The trainer emphasized fewer combinations, more defensive awareness and something fundamental to the sweet
science. "Show me that good jab!'' Roach exhorted.

Roach wants Pacquiao punching fast and scooting out of harm's way.

"(Hand and foot) speed is his asset," Roach said. "I don't want him standing
in the pocket too long because (Marquez) is a slick, precise counterpuncher. If
you're in there too long, you are playing his game."