Pacquiao has best jab – Roach

TOLUCA, Mexico — Manny Pacquiao simply can’t wait to get his hands on Juan Manuel Marquez.

As the private jet was getting ready to leave for Los Angeles on Thursday, Pacquiao and Roach caught each other’s eyes inside the cabin and the Filipino could not help but bring up the topic of how he intends to take out Marquez when they battle for the third time on Nov. 12 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao, dressed in a long-sleeve shirt with matching tie and slacks, put on a fighting stance, whispered something in Roach’s ear that forced the trainer to respond even as the boxer continued to keep his hands up.

If only there was enough space inside the 12-seater, Pacquiao would have shadow-boxed but he was nonetheless all juiced up that he threw a right and a left in the air, his face a picture of devilish aggression.

After a few moments, Pacquiao walked towards the direction of two scribes who were observing all the proceedings.

Roach followed.

“He has got the best right jab but he doesn’t use it,” said Roach.

Pacquiao was unresponsive and Roach told him he has to use it against Marquez.

“You know why I know you’ve got the best jab,” asked Roach.

Pacquiao just stared.

“It’s because I am the one who feels it (during training camp),” said Roach.

“You could knock him down even with that (right) jab.”

Pacquiao nodded and raised his hands anew and let loose a two-punch combo, the swishing sound cutting through the air as the other passengers began settling in their seats.

Bob Arum took a seat near the exit, fronting Pacquiao’s Canadian adviser Mike Koncz, while Roach sat adjacent to the Hall of Fame promoter as the engine began to rev.

The flight attendant then started asking the passengers if they like something to drink while Pacquiao lawyer Franklin Gacal and the fighter’s assistant Roger Fernandez took the back seats to prepare for the three-and-a-half-hour trip.

Pacquiao stayed for a few moments with the two scribes on board, exchanging anecdotes and sharing a laugh as the four-city press tour finally concluded with the fourth and final stop in Mexico City.

Before taking his seat, Pacquiao uttered one telling statement.

“This time, there’ll be no controversy.”