ROACH SPENDING TIME WITH CONCEPCION
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 13 Jul 2008
With Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao taking a break before his next fight which Top Rank promoter Bob Arum says will probably be against Humberto Soto on November 15 at Planet Hollywood, celebrated trainer Freddie Roach is giving Bernabe Concepcion (25-1-1, 14 ko'S) all his attention.
Viva Sports learned that before Pacquiao left Los Angeles he asked Alex Ariza who did a tremendous job in terms of conditioning, nutrition and weight control in preparation for Pacquiao?s fight against David Diaz, to help Concepcion the same way.
Well-known WBC ring physician Dr. Allan Recto informed Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today that Roach is spending more time with Concepcion ?one on one? since Pacquiao is not training at the Wild Card for a fight, otherwise Pacquiao is always Roach?s priority.
Dr. Recto said Roach talks to Concepcion, the North American Boxing Federation super bantamweight champion about ?fighting techniques, footwork, coordination, timing and head movement.? Roach also discusses preparation and strategy on how to handle his July 26 opponent Adam Carrera (19-3, 8 KO's) who is reportedly taller than Concepcion.
Ariza who is described as a conditioning coach and fitness guru told Dr. Recto that Concepcion ?is looking good and he won?t have problems making the weight.? The 20 year old Concepcion weighed 130 pounds two days ago and should be able to make the 122 pound limit easily. Dr. Recto noted that since it?s a ten round, non-title bout ?weight should not be an issue since he can weigh-in as high as 124 pounds.?
Ariza informed Dr. Recto ?I am implementing almost similar conditioning and strength training techniques I used with Manny and I am adding a plyometric training program so Bernabe could reach peak physical condition. It is a highly effective form of power training, especially when combined with a suitable strength training program.?
Both Roach and Ariza also talk to Concepcion about his nutrition and Arriza disclosed ?he is now on a diet of oatmeal, fish, protein shake, eggs, fruits, whole wheat raisin bread, chicken and brown rice among others? ? always a balanced, nutritional diet.
Dr. Recto said that Concepcion jogs in the morning and Ariza even helps prepare his meals. Concepcion also got a new mouthpiece. He trains at the Wild Card Gym from 1:30 ? 4:00 p.m. and was scheduled to spar eight rounds on Friday just like he did on Monday and Wednesday against taller and bigger fighters who are from Armenia .
According to Ariza ?so far everything?s good.?
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
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