ESPN.com's Dan Rafael reported that Pacquiao sparred for five rounds on Tuesday at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, where he is holding his training camp for his May 2 bout against Floyd Mayweather.
He sparred for two rounds against Finland's Edis Tatli, then three more rounds against Kenneth Sims Jr., a welterweight prospect from Chicago.
"When Manny threw out the first punch, it felt like opening day of Irish spring training," Roach told ESPN.com. "Manny looked so fresh today."
"I'm very happy with what he showed me. You couldn't tell he had been away from the ring since the (Chris) Algieri fight in November. Manny is on fire in the gym," he added.
Pacquiao, for his part, said it felt great "to finally put on the headgear and spar."
"My sparring partners gave me good work today. They were perfect for testing the strategy Freddie and I have developed to beat Floyd Mayweather," said Pacquiao. "I was very happy with my stamina and speed today."
Roach is extraordinarily confident that Pacquiao will be triumphant on May 2, even though the Filipino is considered the underdog against the unbeaten American.
"I am confident May 2 will be celebrated for years to come as St. Manny's Day – the day he drove Mayweather out of boxing," said the trainer.
source: www.abs-cbnnews.com
