Juanma Suffered Rib Injury, Denies rumors of being Droped by Oquendo

Caguas - Juanma Lopez said last night that the rumor that Jonathan Oquendo hurt him and knock him down during a recent sparring is false. Well, rather, it is not entirely true. "What people are saying out there that Jonathan Oquendo threw me is wrong," said Lopez, after doing 10 rounds of sparring at full speed in the gym Jose 'Cheo' Aponte im Caguas. In the past month it was rumored in gyms in the country that Juanma gor hurt by Oquendo during one of their weekly sparring. But the former champion 122 and 126-pound World Boxing Organization (WBO) explained that he suffered a minor injury to his right ribs at the beginning of his training, which worsened during an exchange with the junior featherweight Oquendo. Lopez knocked Oquendo out in 2008. Today they are good friends and Juanma co-manages Jonathan. "As the fight originally was going to be in February, I started training really hard since before December. And I laid a heavy load (physical) on top, "said Juanma, who on March 10 will have his rematch with Orlando Salido in the Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey. "when making some speed and agility drills I hurt my right ribs muscle." The boxer said he received treatment for the injury, but returned to the gym too fast, when the muscle had not healed completely. Then, during a sparring with vegalteño, "Oquendo hit me there (in the ribs) and I felt it," continued explaining the hard-hitting southpaw. "We went to check as a precaution." Lopez, who has in your workgroup Dr. Alberto Campos, underwent therapy to secure and accelerate the recovery. Use of a Special shirt! After the injury, and to avoid unnecessary punishment, the Lopez group took a page from Floyd Mayweather Jr.. The American, whom has a May 5 clash with Miguel Cotto, usually doing sparring Mayweather wears a special shirt with protectors in the liver and abdominal area. Mayweather began using it after suffering an injury similar to that described by Juanma. "When we saw the protective shirt that Mayweather used, we sent to for one right away," said Lopez. The protective garment, understands the boxer, is effective. "At first (when he was beaten in the right ribs), felt the blows," admitted the southpaw. "But I'm recovered. And the shirt makes a difference. " Despite the setback, the group said last night that Juanma's preparations when smoothly. And the new fitness coach of Lopez, Alexander Greaux says the numbers prove it. "At the beginning of the training we did a battery of tests every 21 days on Juanma and do a reassessment," he said. "They are evidence of lactate, pulsations, strength in upper and lower body, power, flexibility and 'core' muscles (abdominals and lower back). We are taking statistics and seeing the improvements. The numbers have been improving. We are not playing by ear or blindly throwing punches, "said Greaux. throws more punches "Moreover, the results we are seeing when Juanma spars" he said Greaux. "Before he was averaging something like 50 punches per round and now he averages 75. We recorded the sparring and we are seeing a more aggressive Juanma more volume of hits, and better position on the defense. " This latter aspect has been one of the most difficult to correct and where have concentrated much as physical trainer. "The problem is the customs that have Juanma as a boxer. We could not change it, but we have tried to adjust for it, "said Greaux. "Juanma has a style all his life. We make suggestions to avoid or minimize unnecessary bumps, vulnerabilities. He has been very mature in recognizing its mistakes and has shown the ability to correct them. " Juanma worked hard last night. He ended up sweaty and animated after five rounds of sparring with Hylon Williams and five others with Sixto Pizarro. Also hit the heavy bag and made floor repetitions. And one that was more satisfied with the work it was Orlando Piñero, manager and mentor of the fighter. "That's the Juanma we need to come against Salido," said Pinero at the end of the tenth assault sparring last night. http://www.elnuevodia.com/dolorosoentrenamientodejuanma-1197016.html