Coach: Juanma is 100% Ready, But I'm No Magician

By Rey Colon

Experienced trainer Freddy Trinidad said former two-division world champion Juan Manuel Lopez (33-3 30 KO's) is in excellent physical condition after two months of intense work for his upcoming rematch on Saturday night in Bayamon against Daniel Ponce de Leon (45-5 and 35 KO's), where the International title of the World Boxing Council will be at stake.

However, he was emphatic in saying that he 'is not a magician' and Juanma is the one who has to execute his moves and strategy in the ring.

"He's in very good condition and for two months he had an intensive preparation and his conditioning is at 100%. [On Thursday] he came at 131 pounds. Basically there have been changes in his training. He had to adapt to my style and to my way of training. But I want to repeat that I am not a magician. I do not transform boxers. I can not fight for him. He has to show up and do the work we have done. This is a big test," Trinidad explained.

"They both need a win. Ponce de Leon is hungry and Juanma is right and this is the best way. This is a second chapter in a novel. I hope he follows the game plan to box the first few rounds, because the important thing is to win the fight no matter how it happens - knockout or decision."