Ariza warns don’t underestimate Floyd
By Joaquin Henson
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 01 May 2026
Colombian strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza has an insider’s opinion on what could be the outcome of the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather rematch, if it happens, on Sept. 19 in Las Vegas. Ariza, now living in Manila and working with OPBF bantamweight champion Kenneth Llover, said if conditions are the same as the first encounter 11 years ago, Mayweather will win again.
Ariza was in Mayweather’s corner when the undefeated “Money” scored a unanimous 12-round decision over Pacquiao who fought with an injured right shoulder. He was previously in Pacquiao’s camp for eight fights from 2008 to 2013. Ariza was with Mayweather for four fights in four years.
“Don’t underestimate Floyd,” said Ariza. “He may be 49 and Manny, 47 but age won’t matter. Floyd’s a smart guy, always in shape. He fights with a Plan A and a Plan B. Maidana threw nearly 900 punches in his first Mayweather fight and still lost a close decision. I think Manny threw about 500 when he fought Floyd. I don’t believe Floyd’s broke. I’ve been to his mansion and it’s like a bank with all the cash that’s in it.”
Ariza said Pacquiao has the advantage in speed, power and volume punching. “It’s important for Manny to realize he’s the elite of the elite and that means working with guys who know how to take care of his body the scientific way, guys who monitor his caloric intake, watch his diet and don’t burn him out in the gym,” he said. “The old school method of going 20 rounds of workouts a day doesn’t hold anymore. The focus is on shorter, more intense rounds. A lot of Mexican fighters do heavy sparring and when it’s time for the real fight, they’re burned out.”
Ariza is preparing Llover for the scheduled 12-round IBF bantamweight title eliminator against Michael Angeletti in Nagoya, Japan, on June 6. Once Llover hurdles Angeletti, his manager Gerry Penalosa said he’ll negotiate to stage the showdown against IBF champion Jose Salas of Mexico here in September. Ariza said the plan is for Llover, 23, to collect world titles in five different weight divisions.
Photo: Alex Ariza works on Manny Pacquiao during one of Pacquiao's training preparation in the US.
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