For George Kambosos, the Australian sparmate of Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino icon remains a tough guy to beat even at age 40.
Pacquiao, who puts the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight crown for the first time against Adrien Broner on Jan. 19 in Las Vegas, will prove too much even for the 147-lb division’s elite.
“He’s still good enough for the guys at welterweight,” said Kambosos, who has logged about 30 rounds since training camp kicked off last month.
Kambosos will continue to work with Pacquiao once they relocate to Los Angeles for the final four weeks of the eight-week buildup.
Pacquiao turned 40 last Dec. 17 and will be fighting for the first time in the US in over two years.
Kambosos, 25, believes Pacquiao “would still pose a big problem” even to young guys like him.
“The hunger is still there and he’s hardly changed since I worked with him last year,” said the unbeaten Kambosos, who packs a 15-0 record with nine KOs.
Pacquiao had won the WBA title by knocking out Argentine Lucas Matthysse last July in Malaysia.
“I know exactly how Broner thinks right now,” said Pacquiao. “I’ve been there before so I know how a hungry fighter looks at a fight like this.” (Nick Giongco)
