By Ronnie Nathanielsz
MANNY Pacquiao’s physical conditioning in preparation for his World Boxing Organization welterweight title defense against undefeated light welterweight champion Timothy Bradley at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on June 9, is causing some concern for strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza.
Unhappy over the distractions and personal problems that affected Pacquiao’s focus and preparation for his third fight against Juan Manuel Marquez, Ariza was hoping that Pacquiao would take his physical conditioning program seriously in the buildup to the Bradley showdown, knowing that the undefeated 140-pound champion is always in fine physical shape.
Ariza, who wanted Pacquiao to return to the demanding training regimen that put him in great shape for the fights against Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, told the BoxingScene.com/Manila Standard he is “a bit concerned” about the preparation for the fight, considering that the champ announced he will begin training camp in Baguio City on April 16.
“We can’t have a bad camp. His physical conditioning is very important. This must happen all the way,” said Ariza.
BoxingScene/Manila Standard learned that Pacquiao has been jogging regularly, while in his home province of Sarangani, which he represents in Congress. His trainer Freddie Roach, who leaves for Baguio next Sunday, isn’t bothered that Pacquiao moved his original start of training from April 14 to 16.
ADD COMMENT VIEW COMMENTS (68)