Pacquiao misses second day of training because of a swollen eye

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Manny Pacquiao's preparation program for his coming fight with Timothy Bradley suffered another snag Wednesday when, for the second straight day, his training schedule had to be cancelled.

A swollen left eye suffered during the first day of sparring Tuesday left the 37-year-old boxing hero and his handlers no choice but to do away with the day's training schedule that included the Sarangani Congressman's roadwork at the Acharon Sports Center oval and what was supposed to be the second skirmish against his Congolese-Canadian mate Ghislain Maduma at the MP Wild Card Gym here.

"Well, these things happen in every training camp and in any preparation for a fight," Roach told this writer in an interview while taking his late lunch at the Greenleaf Hotel Restaurant.

"This is unavoidable and we cannot do anything about it," the Hall of Fame trainer said. "The good thing is, this happens this early in the camp and we can still easily make adjustments on our schedule," he added.

Roach explained that the injury occurred when Maduma's glove grazed Pacquiao's face in one of the four-round skirmish. The glove also hit the eight-division champ's eye.

Assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez added that it was aggravated by the application of petroleum jelly to Pacquiao's face.
"Wala naman sanang diperensya yung ipinahid na jelly, eh pinunasan pa ng tuwalya," he explained.

"Medyo humupa na naman ang maga, di tulad kahapon. Manny's doctor visited him this morning at okay daw naman. Nothing to worry about. I was there and I saw Manny when he was being treated," Buboy asserted.

"Manny said he will be able to workout tomorrow," Roach said. "If he's well, I'll let him train, if not, then we'll see on Saturday. We have to take every precaution available.