Sources have informed us that WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao has yet to begin training with world-class strength & conditioning coach Alex Ariza and Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach for his June 9th title defense against undefeated jr. welterweight champion Timothy Bradley. Ariza has been in the Philippines for more than 2 weeks now working with former jr. welterweight champion Amir Khan, while Roach arrived early last week. Originally, both men were under the impression that Pacquiao would arrive in Baguio to begin training early.
"Last I heard, which was today, Manny's supposed to be here on Friday [April 13]," Ariza commented last Thursday after being asked when he expected to begin working with Pacquiao. The weekend came and went, however, and there was still no sign of the 8-division world champion. Camp was expected to officially begin today [April 16], but thus far, Pacquiao still hasn't hooked up with two most important members of his team. According to reports, political issues may be the reason for his delay.
While distractions are par for the course when it comes to a Manny Pacquiao training camp, the fact that he has yet to begin serious strength and conditioning work has got to be a concern for Ariza, who has repeatedly stressed that they must get back to training "his way" in order to avoid suffering the leg cramps that have plagued Pacquiao in his last two bouts. "We can't have a bad camp. His [Pacquiao] physical conditioning is very important. This must happen all the way," Ariza would tell the Manila Standard just days ago.
With less than 8 weeks left to go until the fight, one has to wonder just how seriously Pacquiao is taking his fight with Bradley, who already started training two weeks ago. Although Pacquiao insists that he's not overconfident and has been getting in some training on his own, his political concerns and tax issues are sure to garner more of his time and attention during camp.
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