About Headline Season 2, Episode 0 :

Pacquiao's American sparring partner, Lydell Rhodes (a lightweight boxer with an undefeated record of 19-0) got a taste of the ferocity and speed of the boxing legend from the Philippines during a 4 round sparring session on Tuesday afternoon. He stepped out of the ring with a bloody nose but he promised that he will try much better on the next sparring session which is scheduled on Thursday against the world's lone eight-division boxing champion. Rhodes said that Pacquiao "is in better shape" than he thought. "He's so fast. I couldn't see where his (Pacquiao) punches came from. He threw lots of combinations and he can knock down his opponents with any of his punch. He's a complete fighter. He has the speed, power and brain. He’s a flyweight who punches like a middleweight.", Rhodes said. Rhodes was hired as one of the sparring mates of Pacquiao for his ability to simulate the fighting style of Timothy Bradley. "It is a great opportunity for me to work with Manny Pacquiao. His ring achievements and by just seeing how hard he trains for the fight motivates me,” Rhodes admitted. Rhodes revealed that he is being paid 1,000 USD per week as sparring partner of Pacquiao. "On top of that, Coach Freddie Roach offered me a 1,500 USD bonus if I can knock down Manny Pacquiao during sparring session," Rhodes said. Rhodes, however, admitted that sending the Filipino ring icon to the canvass would be a tough task. Knocking him down is a very hard task to do right now. He fights smart and I was surprised by his strength and the level of his conditioning. I can say he's ready if the fight is held tomorrow,” Rhodes said. Pacquiao lost a controversial bout via split decision against Timothy Bradley back in 2012. Pacquiao-Bradley rematch is set for April 12 (April 13, PHL time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.