SPORTS

Yoo draws Bruce Lee inspiration

I will try to knock him down in the sixth round

Nick Giongco

DK Yoo is bringing his wealth of experience in mixed martial arts to the boxing ring when he faces Manny Pacquiao this weekend in Goyang, South Korea.

Dubbed as a "modern-day Bruce Lee," Yoo has been seen on video applying techniques that made the legendary Lee famous the world over.

The proponent of Warfare Combat System, Yoo faces Pacquiao in six-, two-minute rounds at the Korea International Exhibition Center, a world-class facility just 15 miles outside Seoul.

Banking on his cat-quick reflexes and youth, Yoo believes he will deal Pacquiao, who turns 44 six days after their showdown, a beating in the sixth round.

"I will try to knock him down in the sixth round," Yoo said, adding that he has huge advantages over the eight-division champion.

"I am younger and heavier. I have got longer arms (reach)," he said.

On social media, Yoo has been showing off some moves popularized by Lee, including the zero-inch punch that knocked MMA disciples backwards as though they have been hit by a trailer truck.

Inactive since August last year, Pacquiao is apparently not taking things for granted.

Although he didn't travel to reunite with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card in Hollywood, Pacquiao still made sure he would have the atmosphere of a legit training camp by rounding up his battery of Filipino trainers by his side in General Santos City.

Yoo, who is significantly taller than the 5-foot-6 Pacquiao, will be a lot heavier by the time they face off on Sunday.

But Pacquiao insists he will negate the size difference with his trademark speed.

Action explodes in six days.