Doubts pile up as Pacquiao misses training due to illness
Manny Pacquiao has sat out on a training session after waking up sick.
Boxingscene.com reported that the seven-division titlist and WBO welterweight champion decided to miss training for an upcoming title fight with Antonio Margarito to rest and beat a possible sinus infection.
Pacquiao reportedly woke with cold-like symptoms. In the wake of the news, head trainer Freddie Roach ordered the team to rest for the day, and wants media out of the quarters until Pacquiao feels better.
Ronnie Nathanielsz of Boxingscene speculated that Pacquiao’s recovery may be sensitive and dependent on natural factors since he has a habit of avoiding modern Western medicine, in favour of natural healing.
While there has not been an official diagnosis, Pacquiao was in the middle of intense training with Roach and conditioning coach Alex Ariza, and it is probable that his body may have suffered from the
intensity of the sessions. It is well known that training too hard as a fighter can lower the immune system and make one prone to colds and weakness.
Ariza had the Philippine congressman on a highly specialized diet which consists of over 7,000 calories a day and numerous protein supplements to make him gain weight and strength for the much bigger Margarito.
He was also forcing him to endure high intensity exercises to build muscle and sharpen speed.
"Pacquiao didn't train today. He is not well. Suspected sinus problem. Trouble is he depends too much on natural healing. Time for concern," Nathanielsz reported on his Facebook page.
Some days ago Freddie Roach confessed that Pacquiao was not yet at the level he ought to be for Margarito. At the same time he was quick to add that training camp is still in its nascent phase and that
the fighter has a lot of time to improve. Roach said that he had begun to show his characteristic timing in sparring sessions.
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