From Los Angeles, Roach told the Bulletin on Wednesday that he expects to begin the buildup of Pacquiao on March 7 in the City of Pines.

Roach would like Pacquiao to train for a total of eight weeks, four weeks in the Philippines and the final four weeks under his utmost care at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.

Roach had earlier proposed that Pacquiao can lessen the number of weeks of training from eight to six only if he goes straight to Los Angeles six weeks before the fight

But it seems that Pacquiao would like to have his usual eight-week program so he can also perform some of his duties as Saragani congressman.

The last time Roach and Pacquiao used the high-altitude conditions of Baguio in preparation for the Antonio Margarito fight last November, the celebrated trainer was aghast at the way training camp was conducted.

There were a few times when Pacquiao would travel down to Baguio during weekends to fulfill some of his commitments, something that infuriated the usually calm and collected Roach.

Roach said it took Pacquiao a whole lot more time in getting in shape for the Margarito fight and it was only in the last three weeks of training that the Filipino was able to reach his fighting form.

Still, Roach feels Baguio is still far better compared to Metro Manila or even Cebu.

By March, Baguio would have perfect weather, a cool clime that is made for roadwork, something that was the opposite when Pacquiao prepared for Margarito when it was raining most of the time.

This early, Roach has several sparring partners in mind and one of them is Shawn Porter, who had sparred with Pacquiao in 2009.

“Then, I have two other guys from the East (Coast),” said Roach

Nick Giongco, Manila Bulletin