MANILA – “The People’s Champion” Manny Pacquiao has clarified reports that he is slacking in his preparation for his Nov. 14 fight against WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

“Sa totoo lang po, hindi lumilipas ang isang araw na hindi ko iniisip si Cotto at kung ano ang aking gagawin upang labanan at talunin ang isang boxer na likas na mas malaki at malakas sa akin,” Pacquiao said in his Sept. 6 “Kumbinasyon” column on PhilBoxing.com.

Various reports about Pacquiao have come out, saying that he is not taking his upcoming fight seriously.

He has not started training while Cotto has begun with conditioning.

“Ang pagpaparatang sa akin na hindi ako seryoso sa aking laban kay Cotto ay lubhang masaklap,” he remarked.

“Pero sa isang banda, hindi ko masisi ang marami na mag-isip ng ganoon dahil na rin siguro sa pagmamalasakit sa akin,” he added.

He took the public’s worries in stride, saying that it is normal for his supporters to be concerned about him.

“Huwag po kayong mabahala, everything is under control,” Pacquiao told his fans.

He then promised his utmost dedication when he starts his eight-week training after his overseas promo tour. “The Pacman” stated that once he starts training, he will be unstoppable.

Pacquiao will fly to New York on Wednesday for the promo tour slated from Sept. 10 to 15.

“Sa tinagal-tagal ko na sa pagboboksing, alam ko po ang aking sariling kakayahan at ang aking limitasyon,” he added.

No rift with Roach

Pacquiao noted that he is still finishing his showbiz commitments at the moment. But he said he makes sure he is not abusing his body.

“Medyo nakakapagod din,” he said of his showbiz work.

The pound-for-pound king also stressed that his training of eight weeks is enough. He explained that Cotto started his conditioning early because he has to go down to 145 lbs.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, said he just needs to add about 10 lbs. to reach the catch weight.

Meantime, he also mentioned that he is in good terms with coach Freddie Roach, despite the American trainer telling some media outlets that he is “pissed off” because Pacquiao has not decided where to hold his training.

“Wala naman pong alitan sa pagitan namin ng aking coach na pilit ginagawan ng intriga ng ilan,” he clarified.

Sa aking palagay po, ang Baguio City ang pinaka-safe na lugar upang mag-train sa ngayon, at tatapusin namin ang lahat sa Wild Card gym sa Los Angeles,” Pacquiao said of his training plans. – With a report from The Philippine Star