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Manny Pacquiao’s Toughest Training Partner Turns Out to Be His Dog

Most people may imagine that a world champion boxer is constantly practicing, working out and conditioning with a large and intimidating trainer.

Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao, however, partners up with his best friend to stay in shape. That friend happens to be his dog.

Since 2008, Pacquiao has trained with his dog, Pacman. Pacquiao was given the Jack Russell terrier by his assistant trainer, Buboy Fernandez. Both Pacquiao and Fernandez claim to have come up with the dog's name.

Pacman helps Pacquiao with his conditioning and endurance training by running on the track. Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, told the Wall Street Journal that the dog always gives the boxer a challenge.

"Nobody could keep up with that dog," Roach said.

The champion boxer spends most of his time with the dog. Pacman lives in Los Angeles, where Pacquiao trains, but also travels to Las Vegas for Pacquiao's fights. Pacquiao said the terrier is more than just a mascot.

"He's part of my team," Pacquiao told the Wall Street Journal. "He is a special dog."

Pacman is a special dog indeed. Since he teamed up with Pacquiao in 2008, the boxer hasn't lost a single fight. The dog accompanies Pacquiao on tracks, trails and even mountain runs.

Pacquiao's friend, Archie Banas, claims Pacman was born from a litter of puppies that was the direct descendant of "Milo" from the 1994 Jim Carey film The Mask.

While this may or may not be true, one thing is certain about Pacman: He will only have a few more days to motivate Pacquiao before his next fight. Pacquiao is scheduled to take on Timothy Bradley on June 9.