Manny Pacquiao’s training intensifies with less than five weeks to go
With less than five weeks to go before his mega-fight with Antonio Margarito, Manny Pacquiao’s camp has moved from entrees to the main course of their regime.
“We’re taking everything to the next level,” Pacquiao's conditioning coach Alex Ariza confirmed.
Ariza pointed out that the next two weeks will be critical for “Pacman.” Since training began some weeks ago he has been slowly working towards a conditional apex, incorporating isometric and biometric theories into his sessions.
Ariza, a conditional specialist, has had Pacquiao on a highly monitored diet in which he currently consumes 7,000 calories a day and eats every few hours. The idea is to have Pacquiao gain substantial size and weight that can then be converted into muscle
for the fight. Ariza has used the technique in the past with Pacquiao, most notably against current WBA junior middleweight champion Miguel Cotto.
In terms of isometrics Pacquiao is expected to be doubling exercises and repetitions with the emphasis on speed and strength enhancement.
Isometric training consists of static exercises, as opposed to utilizing external weights or machines. They employ the body itself as the weight-object, and oppose resistance to build strength. Good examples include push-ups and sit-ups.
Ariza suggested that Pacquiao will be 100 per cent a week before the fight on November 14.
“He is still around 60 percent but in the next two weeks, Manny will be making his move from sparring to conditioning,” Ariza said.
Michael Medina, who has been consistently sparring with Pacquiao since training began, said: “Every sparring session, he’s getting faster and stronger, although he’s not yet 100 percent. But I think he is getting there.”
Pacquiao hopes to win his eighth division title in as many divisions. The feat would be unprecedented in the sport of boxing, and declare Pacquiao undeniably the best fighter on the planet.
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