Once upon a time, Top Rank fighters had the option of working with whatever trainer they wanted to work with. Apparently, such is not the case anymore, as promoter Bob Arum is reportedly doing everything in his power to prevent WBC middleweight champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. from working with world-class strength & conditioning coach Alex Ariza. According to Ariza, not only has Arum threatened to have him arrested if he shows up at Top Rank Gym, but he's also banned Ariza from the gated community where Chavez Jr. is now residing.
"Bob arum has banned me from Chavez's gated community And says he will have me arrested for trespassing if i show up TR gym with Julio," Ariza would post moments ago on his official Twitter page. "Never before has a promoted put his agenda for far b4 the fighters- despicable." For those wondering how Arum has any influence over a community where Chavez Jr. is now living, according to sources, Arum reportedly purchased the house and gave it to Julio for the purpose of having him train in Las Vegas, Nevada with the intent of separating him from Ariza, who works primarily out of California.
While Arum has flexed his promotional muscle on Ariza in regards to Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., he has yet to prevent him from working with Top Rank's prized possession, WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao. There's still a few days left to go, however, before Pacquiao's clash this Saturday with Timothy Bradley. Trainer Freddie Roach already threatened to have Ariza removed from the corner on fight night, but he recently reversed that decision after allegedly having a long conversation with Pacquiao, who presumably made the final call on Ariza's presence. Check back soon for more information as this story continues to develop.
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