PACQUIAO LOOKS AWESOME
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Mon, 16 Jun 2008
Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao sparred twelve rounds for the first time in training for his quest for a fourth world title and according to Alex Ariza who was assigned by trainer Freddie Roach to assist in the strengthening and conditioning of Pacquiao, the reigning WBC super featherweight champion looked ?awesome.?
Dr. Allan Recto who is a ringside physician of the WBC said Ariza told him Pacquiao was in ?tremendous shape.? He said that when Pacquiao was on the punch-mitts with Roach, ? the mitt flew out of Roach?s hand three times and once even outside the ring to the delight of the onlookers. ?
Dr. Recto disclosed that Ariza who is a training fitness guru and a nutritionist who worked with the late Diego Corrales has been working on Pacquiao?s stretching exercises and his breathing for better, faster recovery.
At the same time Ariza feels that Pacquiao may be stronger at 135 pounds. He said he was working: ?little by little? with Manny and not making too many drastic changes in his routine since Pacquiao ?knows what he is doing.? He said Pacquiao who moves up to lightweight to challenge David Diaz for the WBC title at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino on June 28 is right on schedule and will easily make the weight.
Dr. Recto himself spoke to Pacquiao by phone and asked him how he was doing. Pacquiao replied, ?OK naman , everything is fine Doc. Nothing to worry.?
Meantime, Diaz says his training ?is going terrific?. In his column in the Chicago Sun Times, the lightweight champion said he said ?we are using three different sparring partners and we?re putting in all the necessary work preparing for the fight with Manny.?
Although veteran Jim Strickland is Diaz?s main trainer, Mike Garcia who ended his ring career because of repeated hand injuries plays a key role. Diaz said Garcia who works the mitts with him ?teaches little tricks along the way.? Diaz who had a 28-0 record co-owns the Jabb Gym where Diaz trains.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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