FORMER CONDITIONING COACH SAYS IT?S A BAD FIGHT FOR MANNY
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 29 Oct 2008
Former heavyweight contender and Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao?s conditioning coach at Freddie Roach?s Wild Card Gym for several big fights in the past ? Justin Fortune - says the clash with Oscar De La Hoya is ?a bad fight.?
In an overseas telephone conversation with www.insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports, Fortune said ?I don?t think it?s a good fight because De La Hoya is a bigger guy, he?s stronger and is very smart. He is also a good boxer.?
Fortune who once battled heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis and lost by a 4th round TKO in a non-title fight in Dublin, Ireland in July 1995 said Pacquiao ?is a natural 135 ? 140 and at that weight Manny destroys people. By the time Oscar fights he will be around 156 pounds and that?s a big guy.?
He said De La Hoya is not a big guy who is not fit. He is a ?big guy who is fit and ready to fight so it?s a very difficult fight? Fortune said there are a ?lot of other fighters out there who Pacquiao can fight and beat.? Among those he mentioned who he was confident Pacquiao could beat was Ricky ?The Hitman? Hatton of Britain who fights Paul Malignaggi for the IBO light welterweight title on November 22 in Las Vegas.
Fortune said he was ?not really worried? that Pacquiao could get hurt in the fight against De La Hoya because the Filipino southpaw who is the reigning WBC lightweight champion ?always comes in, in very, very good condition and in that way I don?t think he will get hurt.?
Fortune who split with Roach some time ago said he hasn?t been in touch with Pacquiao and since he was ?not my fighter although I?d like to consider him a good friend of mine and if I make contact with him Freddie will get upset and he?s got a fight coming up so it's not my place.?
The Fortune Gym is doing quite well despite the harsh economic times according to Fortune and he has a roster of promising fighters with him although he conceded they will take a while to get to the top. He mentioned a 168 pound Tyrell Hendricks who he said ?is very, very strong and a good fighter? as among his prospects.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Manny Pacquiao Arrives in LA to Oversee Son Jimuel's Highly Anticipated Pro Debut
By Dong Secuya, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Robert Racasa Shines for the Philippines on First Day of World Memory Championships
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 09 Nov 2025P20k for 42k winners in 3rd SDSPPO
By Lito delos Reyes, Sun, 09 Nov 2025Weights Set for Tomorrow’s Sanman Boxing Show in General Santos City
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz vs. Erickson Lubin: Can Lubin Tip the Ortiz/Ennis Apple Cart?
By Chris Carlson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Gibbons’ ‘Thrilla’ regrets
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Vergil Ortiz Jr. and Erickson Lubin Set for Explosive Showdown in Fort Worth
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Ring Officials Announced for Michael Hunter Vs Eli Frankham - York Hall, 5th December
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Baseball in the Sulaimán Family
By Mauricio Sulaimán, Sat, 08 Nov 2025Shields signs $8 million multi year contract with Salita Promotions
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sat, 08 Nov 2025A TIBUTE TO VICTOR CONTE
Sat, 08 Nov 2025Lhuillier Lauds RP Blu Boys’ Triumph in Japan Tilt
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025FIDE Rated Chess Tournament Pasig Police Board Patrol Checkpoint Challenge
By Marlon Bernardino, Sat, 08 Nov 2025MANNY PACQUIAO VS. FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. ONCE AGAIN
By Maloney L. Samaco, Fri, 07 Nov 2025NBA Reportedly Met with Congress Regarding Gambling Issues
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Fri, 07 Nov 2025