Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight 2015 preview news: Pair start training for epic bout

Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and his arch rival, American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., have both started their respective trainings for their highly anticipated bout on May 2.

According to an article on The Manila Bulletin, Pacquiao has started his workout and sparring sessions at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California.

Prior to this, Pacquiao underwent 13 days of intense strength training and conditioning, aside from the consistent training he did in the Philippines.

"It was great to finally put on the headgear and spar," Pacquiao was quoted by The Manila Bulletin as saying.

"My sparring partners gave me good work today. They were perfect for testing the strategy Freddie and I have developed to beat Floyd Mayweather. I was very happy with my stamina and speed," he added.

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's longtime coach, meanwhile said he was satisfied with how the Asian boxing icon's training started.

Roach said Pacquiao looked "fresh" and fired up the remaining months of his training in preparation for his epic match against Mayweather.

Roach was particularly satisfied with Pacquiao's fighting form, despite the fact that he had not been training intensively since winning against Chris Algieri last November.

"You couldn't tell he had been away from the ring since the Algieri fight in November. Manny is on fire in the gym," Roach said.

Sky Sports meanwhile reported that Mayweather is already doing his "old school" drills to shape up for his fight against Pacquiao.

The undefeated American boxer is supposedly doing some back-to-basics training, including some wood chopping which he posted on his Instagram account.

Pacquiao and Mayweather will face off in Las Vegas on May 2.