Lydell Rhodes running with Team Pacquiao in Los Angeles (Photo: Facebook.com)
By Chris Robinson
For the past six weeks, lightweight prospect Lydell Rhodes has been a key figure in the training camp of eight-division world titlist Manny Pacquiao ahead of his April 12 rematch with Tim Bradley.
Rhodes, originally from Oklahoma and now residing in Las Vegas, first made the trek to General Santos City, Philippines for the initial leg of camp before shifting to Los Angeles, where he has been soaking up the atmosphere while also serving as a chief sparring partner to Pacquiao at the Wild Card Boxing Club.
After hitting up famed gym, Rhodes instantly felt at home.
“It was one of the friendliest gyms I’ve ever been to,” said Rhodes of the Wild Card. “It might just have been because I was Manny’s sparring partner but I say that jokingly. I even ran into a fighter I beat, Yakubu Amidu, and he’s one of the nicest guys in the world.”
Rhodes noticed a different kind of temperament coming from Pacquiao in the final days of his training.
“Manny really stepped up our training regimen in the last couple weeks,” Rhodes explained. “I do every exercise he does so I’m loving it because I’m in the best shape of my life.
“He’s a real veteran and knows the right time to pick things up and when to pull back on training so he isn’t burnt out and peaks on fight night,” Rhodes added.
Also present at the Wild Card has been Puerto Rican fan favorite and three-division titlist Miguel Cotto, who recently dived into training for his June 7 crack and lineal middleweight champion Sergio Martinez.
It was easy for Rhodes to spot just far along Cotto is already in preparation of his latest showcase and he attributes it to Miguel constantly keeping himself on point whether he is in training or not.
“He’s strong!” Rhodes exclaimed. “And in surprisingly good shape for his first week of camp. I’m starting to notice all of the top guys keep themselves in good shape when they aren’t fighting.”
Rhodes was asked if being around Pacquiao has given him a different outlook on the Bradley rematch yet he already seemed to have faith in his newfound buddy.
“I thought he looked good in his fight with Rios, so I felt he still had it and sparring with him confirmed it,” said Rhodes. “But I still think it’s going be close unless Manny clips him, which can happen.
“But Bradley is just a grinder and always finds a way to win so you can never count him out,” Rhodes continued. “With that being said I still have to go with Manny getting his hand raised at the end of the night.
*** Want more of Lydell Rhodes? Pleas click the thumbnail for an exclusive look at his time in Los Angeles…
“Photos from the Wild Card Boxing Club and other spots in Los Angeles as undefeated lightweight prospect Lydell Rhodes (19-0, 9 KO’s) enjoys his time as a chief sparring for eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao.
Check out the thumbnail on the left for an all-access look at Rhodes in training, running Griffith Park, chilling with Miguel Cotto, and more.”
*** FOR A BONUS VISIT back in Pacquiao’s career in photos, check the thumbnails below…
Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com