Manny Pacquiao training in LA (Photo : Jhay Oh Otamias)
Invicta FC featherweight champion Cristian "Cyborg" Justino (15-1) is in Los Angeles running with Filipino ring icon and boxing's only eight-division world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (57-6-2, 38 KO's) as he trains for his highly-anticipated rubber match against American Timothy "The Desert Storm" Bradley (33-1-1, 13 KO's) this April 9.
The pair are scheduled for a 12-round welterweight tiff at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao, who runs at Pan Pacific Park early mornings, says this is possibly his last bout as a professional boxer as he aims for a seat at the Philippine senate in the May elections.
"You see what type of guy [Manny] is when you see a lot of fans follow him and running to him," said Justino, who took the time out to speak with reporters during one of Pacquiao's early morning runs.
"I'm very happy to be here, running with him. I learned a lot of things."
Justino, 30, is rumored to be fighting at UFC 198 against a yet to be announced opponent. Better known by her cage moniker "Cyborg", Justino is the only woman to have defeated former MMA fighter and Fast and Furious star Gina "Conviction" Carano.
Justino beat Carano by technical knockout back in 2009, and Carano, who has since pursued her acting career hasn't fought since. More importantly, Justino has long been campaigning for a fight against former UFC women's bantamweight champion "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, but the fight had difficulty coming to fruition due to various factors.
Although Pacquiao had not scored a stoppage in over six years, many of those close to him, including sparring partners Lydell Rhodes and Ghislain Maduma, believe the Filipino is aiming for a statement victory in his would-be final fight. Justino expressed excitement at the possibility, along with praising Pacquiao's strong religious devotion.
"More important than the fight, [Pacquiao] talks about his relationship with Jesus," said Justino, fondly. "I think this fight will end in an amazing, good and great KO."
Pacquiao is currently sparring 10 rounds with Rhodes and Maduma, with the action expected to ramp up to 12 rounds very soon as the fight approaches before finally tapering off and Pacquiao's team makes the familiar trek down to Las Vegas by land.
With less than a month remaining, Pacquiao is said to be at 80% condition, and should be peaking shortly.
