Pacquiao starts training camp on September 21

For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV With his rival, Miguel Cotto, already sweating it out at the gym since August, Manny Pacquiao finally opens his training camp on September 21, with trainer Freddie Roach expected to whip up his prized fighter to the same menacing warrior that brought down the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton. Trainer Freddie Roach and Pacquiao set up training camp in Baguio City and will have eight weeks in order to find a solution to beat reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) champion Cotto. Unlike Pacquiao, Cotto began training in Puerto Rico and actually, had sparred three times already. Despite such advantage, Roach still believes his famous ward would be able to overcome the 28-year old champion whom he describes as “solid and does everything consistently." “I don’t think we’ll knock Cotto out (but) I think it’ll go the distance and we are going to win every round," he said. Roach, after talking to Pacquiao Wednesday night on the eve of his press tour for the 12-round bout with Cotto, declared they’re now raring to go and get in shape. He is set to arrive in Manila either on September 19 or 20. Pacquiao himself guaranteed his long-time trainer that there won’t be any distraction once training camp begins in the country’s official summer capital. Roach earlier denounced Pacquiao’s plan of putting up training camp in the Philippines, worried that his eight-week preparation may be disrupted by the boxing superstar’s other activities outside of boxing. Roach has kept Pacquiao away from any distraction when they train at his Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. The top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today has been prohibited to train in the US for a longer amount of time owing to tax issues. The 49-year-old Roach will be bringing with him four sparmates in Urbano Antillon, Raymund Serrano, Shawn Porter and the ever-reliable David Rodela. Unfortunately, former world champion Jose Luis Castillo is not on the list as suggested earlier by Pacquiao adviser Michael Konz. “He’s a shot fighter. Castillo’s drunk," said Roach. After a month of training in Baguio, Pacquiao shifts training camp in Los Angeles. – GMANews.TV