By Ronnie Nathanielsz
Conditioning expert Alex Ariza has put to rest concerns over reports that Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao had suffered a leg injury, which prompted scores of calls including some from boxing fans overseas.
In an overseas telephone conversation with BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports, Ariza said “he has a little bit of a blister on his toe. It is no big deal.”
Pacquiao proved there was nothing wrong when he went seventeen rounds on the punch-mitts “non stop and without even a sip of water” enthused Ariza.
Ariza who has gotten used to the Pacquiao work ethic which he described as “phenomenal” said Monday at the Wild Card Gym was like “any other normal previous training day and went well.”
Besides the punch-mitts Pacquiao worked on the double-end bag, speed bag, jumped rope and did some more strength-training.
In the meantime, WBO bantamweight champion Gerry Penalosa prepares for his crucial title quest against undefeated WBO super bantamweight champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez in the KO artist’s hometown in Puerto Rico. The veteran southpaw continues to amaze both trainer Freddie Roach and Ariza in camp.
Ariza told us that Penalosa sparred eight rounds today going a few rounds with Michael Freidis and then did four rounds with Kid Diamond.
Ariza said Penalosa “looks great, moves well and went over some strategy with Freddie (Roach) .” The conditioning guru who indicated he was impressed with Penalosa’s physical condition said that watching him train over the past few weeks “Gerry can do exactly what he wants to do with a fighter.”
Penalosa’s showdown with “Juanma” Lopez will be telecast by Solar Sports on Sunday, April 26 which is one week after the “Fast and Furious” showdown at the Araneta Coliseum in which IBF/IBO flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire defends his title against undefeated Raul “Cobra” Martinez while former WBC light flyweight champion Brian Viloria tries to regain the title from IBF champion Ulises Solis.
One week after the Penalosa-Marquez fight, Solar Sports will telecast the “Battle of East and West” showdown at the MGM Grand between Pacquiao and Britain’s Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton in an unprecedented treat for Filipino boxing fans.
BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports have learned that the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino where Pacquiao will be billeted is fully booked for the week of the fight.
