Manny Pacquiao: The real reason why he is sparring an MMA fighter
Since discovering the news that MMA fighter Dashon Johnson was helping eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao prepare at Freddie Roach’s Wildcard Gym for the biggest fight in boxing history, fans of the popular combat sport have been brimming with pride.
Many avid MMA supporters believe Johnson’s role in Pacquiao’s camp gives their cause some well deserved vindication and credibility within the discipline of pugilism.
But the 27 year old sparring partner has lost his last six bouts in the squared circle and hasn’t competed in the octagon since getting dropped by the UFC in October of 2014.
So why is Manny Pacquiao working with a fighter who’s professional boxing record is a meager 15-19-3?
To offer the proud MMA fans a healthy dose of reality, three decade fight trainer James Gogue explains the real reason why Freddie asked Mr. Johnson to work with his future Hall of Fame fighter.
“They needed someone for Manny to tee off on in the gym…to keep his spirits high and his confidence up,” states the experienced boxing coach.
“If Pacquiao is having a hard time with certain sparring partners, which is what is being reported in the media currently, it deflates a fighter."
"They start doubting themselves, which isn’t good heading into a big fight.”
“So what you do if you’re managing the training camp, you bring in tough guys who will be there for your fighter to hit and have his way with…it ultimately lifts your fighter’s confidence level.”
“That’s one of the things you do as a head trainer while preparing your man for any big fight. You try to increase your fighter’s confidence level…your fighter’s mental state is a huge part of winning and losing in this game. A trainer’s job is to have his fighter peaking physically and emotionally going into any big fight, and getting him beat up isn’t going to accomplish that.”
Sorry, Mixed Martial Arts supporters…it seems that Mr. Dashon Johnson’s primary role at the Wildcard Gym is to take punishment from the Filipino Congressman. It’s not the easiest way to make a living, but it’s definitely an experience he’ll eventually share with the grandkids.
The hard working journeyman can always brag about how the Pacman roughed him up at the world renowned Wildcard Gym in sunny Hollywood, California!!
What an honor!!
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