DON’T look now but it could be Baguio after all.

I received a text-message on September 9 that Manny Pacquiao is really inclined to train in Baguio for his fight against Miguel Cotto on November 15 in Las Vegas.

The text message came from a very respectable person, a prime mover in the country’s summer capital.

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He said Pacquiao “is all set to train here.” 

And the city’s now girding for a red carpet welcome.

Why because should it materialize, Pacquiao will be making history as he is coming to a city presently commemorating its centennial.

Honestly, I welcome this development.

Baguio has been, still is, a favorite training ground among world greats—from the time of the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde up to Nonito Donaire Jr., who had successfully won his title fight recently.

The city, indeed, is conducive to training boxers.
 
That’s because Baguio is 5,000 feet above sea level. The altitude helps a boxer store on air and stamina -- two ingredients that a fighter badly needs especially going into the homestretch of a bout.

But there’s a hitch to Pacquiao’s plan.
 
Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s American trainer, wants Toluca, Mexico.  Not Baguio.

“Too many distractions for Pacquiao if he trains in Baguio,” Roach was quoted as saying. “A friend of his could just send in his chopper to pick him up, and you will never know where they’re headed to afterwards.”

Roach has a point there.

In Baguio, Pacquiao will be so reachable by his wealthy friends that he could be tempted to skip workouts at any given time.

We all dread the thought of a Pacquiao suddenly not in tip-top shape because of a half-baked training regimen.

As I keep saying, only Pacquiao can beat Pacquiao. Pacquiao not properly trained will surely lose to Cotto, who has embarked on a rigid training almost one month ahead of Pacman.

But, as we love to say, every problem has a solution. 

So, up in Baguio, Jinkee will be Manny’s personal bodyguard—and secretary. 

No cell phones for Pacquiao.  No nothing.  Only Cotto’s photo in Pacman’s wallet.

Now for double-insurance, chain Pacquiao to his cot at nighttime.  Lock all doors and even windows.

The keys, for triple-insurance, must be left to the care of Roach.

Any more questions?