AFTER almost four weeks of delay, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao finally left the country for the United States on Saturday night to continue his training at the Wildcard Gym in Hollywood under his long-time mentor Freddie Roach.

Pacquiao’s long-time lawyer Franklyn Gacal told The Manila Times on Saturday that Team Pacquiao, led by Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez, left Sarangani province to Manila riding a private plane owned by Gov. Chavit Singson of Ilocos. The team later on boarded a California bound Philippine Airlines flight.

“Yes, they will fly to the US today [Saturday],” confirmed Gacal, adding that Pacquiao has already discussed with Roach the set-up of his training when they arrive in Los Angeles. “Manny was also congratulated by Roach for his successful training in General Santos.”

Gacal said that Roach would put Pacquiao through intensive sparring sessions at the Wildcard Gym.

There are still six weeks or roughly 40 days left for Pacquiao to train for his fourth fight against Mexican archrival Juan Manuel Marquez on December 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Fernandez, who initiated Pacquiao’s prefight training in General Santos City, said that they did their roadwork on level road surfaces; no uphill sprints like in Baguio City, to prevent leg cramps.

“Pacquiao’s power, speed, great footwork and endurance are still there despite his long lay-off and I’m sure Freddie [Roach] will be surprised when he sees this,” said Fernandez in Filipino during an interview. He also praised the positive result of Pacquiao’s sparring session against welterweight prospect Anthony Marcial.