This was bared by a source close to GMA News, who said the Cuban Olympian has been tapped to act as Pacquiao’s sparring partner for his upcoming fight against unbeaten Floyd Mayweather on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao has been undergoing rigid physical conditioning under Strength and Conditioning Coach Justin Fortune and will now begin to do sparring sessions with Rigondeaux and other sparmates Roach had reportedly hired, including welterweight Rashid Ellis and lightweight Kenneth Sims, Jr.
Other than the three mentioned, Roach has not divulged Pacquiao’s new sparmates since he learned that Mayweather’s camp had contacted Pacquiao’s potential sparmates offering them more money in order to dissuade them from working with Pacquiao.
Last week Pacquiao said his trainer Freddie Roach had already hired two sparring partners who will serve as his spar mates when he starts sessions this week.
“My sparring sessions will start next week. Coach Freddie had already hired two tough guys who can help me in my preparation,” Pacquiao said.
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“I don’t have their names. But even if I knew them, I will not reveal their identity. They might be offered money again,” Pacquiao said laughing.
Rigondeaux is no stranger to Roach as he has previously trained briefly under him at the Wild Card Gym. The two-time Olympic gold medalist is expected simulate Mayweather’s fighting style when he spars with Pacquiao.
Rigondeaux is unbeaten in 15 pro fights including a unanimous decision victory against former bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire of the Philippines.