Conditioning coach finally gives Manny Pacquiao thumbs up
Alex Ariza, the man who has been overseeing all of superstar Manny Pacquiao’s conditioning, thinks his fighter is finally ready for his bout on Saturday against “the Tijuana Tornado” Antonio Margarito.
In a Fanhouse video, Ariza told videographer Elie Seckback “he’s now 100 per cent,” trumping recent doubts about his condition following reports of negligence.
“I had my doubts, but after watching him today, I think there’s no need to worry for nothing,” Ariza continued.
Ariza has worked in the past with Diego Corrales, and has worked with Pacquiao for the better part of two years. He plays counterpoint to Pacquiao’s legendary trainer Freddie Roach, for whom boxing lessons and technique are the primary concern.
Ariza maintained that “Pacman” impressed his training team with his sharpness in his last sparring session with junior middleweight Rashad Holloway and junior welterweight David Rodela.
Weeks ago in Baguio City he had looked less than impressive with partners Glen Tapia, Michael Medina and WBA junior welterweight titlist Amir Khan inspiring wide-ranging reports about his inadequacy.
“Today is probably our best day. I think Manny looked his best today throughout his training camp,” Ariza said of a Monday training session. “Manny is one of those guy s— he knows what to do — he knows when to turn it on.”
Pacquiao and Margarito will go head-to-head at the Cowboys stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Promoter Bob Arum, who promotes both fighters, guarantees they will be tip-top shape and that the fight will shatter all expectations.
“Manny and Margarito are both in terrific condition and the fans can expect a great fight like they have never seen for a while,” Arum said from Las Vegas.
Pacquiao will be the heavy favourite, having won all of his bouts since 2005. Margarito, on the other hand, looks to redeem both his reputation and his career, following a hand wrap incident in 2009 and a loss at the hands of “Sugar” Shane Mosley.
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