A lot left in the tank

LOS ANGELES — Exactly a week before his ambitious bid to become a world champion at age 46, Manny Pacquiao put on quite a show Saturday by flashing his old, fiery form in a dazzling four-round exhibition with sparmate Saul Bustos at the Wild Card Boxing Club.

The workout, witnessed by a sizable crowd that included a renowned political family from Cavite, may have convinced many worried fans about his readiness to challenge defending World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight champion Mario Barrios on 19 July at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao, who hasn’t fought for almost four years, displayed many of his vintage moves, including the crafty and clever side movements to avoid getting countered.

It was a much-improved performance by the eight-division legend following his Thursday’s lackluster showing against the very same sparmate.

Knowing that it was his last sparring session, Pacquiao treated everyone to an afternoon of crisp punching and speedy maneuvers that left the audience applauding him and Bustos for their respective efforts.

Asked whether he still has a lot left in the tank, Pacquiao’s eyes lit up.

“A lot.”

Besides, Pacquiao swears that he and his team have Barrios all figured out.

“My coaching staff has studied him (Barrios). His moves. His tendencies.”

Although that was his final sparring session, Pacquiao would still be showing up for training on Monday, just before he and his team make the 300-mile land journey to Las Vegas, a tradition for almost two decades.

In Sin City, Pacquaio would still be going to the gym but his workouts there would no longer be lengthy and not as intense so he doesn’t get burned out.

A press conference is set to take place on Wednesday at the Studio ballroom of the MGM Grand at 1 p.m. while the official weigh-in happens on Friday at the Grand Garden Arena also at 1 p.m.

Barrios, who is making the second defense of the crown, has been installed as the heavy favorite owing to his advantage in youth, age, height and reach.

But Pacquiao, who was enshrined into the Hall of Fame a few weeks ago, maintains that age doesn’t matter.

“What’s even more important is discipline,” he said, stressing that he also remains motivated and driven to succeed.

“My speed and power are still there, that’s why I decided to come back. You really have to have discipline.”

Whether Pacquiao’s words are going to prove prophetic will be known this weekend.