By John F. McKenna (McJack): It goes without saying that World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO’s) strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza is good at what he does and has been very successful in helping to mould Pacquiao into one of the greatest fighters of his generation.

Having said that however, it is worth noting that some of Ariza’s comments have been controversial and not always helping to the fighter he has helped prepare for his major fights. Last November, Ariza made comments prior to Manny’s fight with his arch rival WBO/WBA lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (53-6-1, 39 KO’s) that were more than a little over the top. Ariza made the remark that “God could come down and help Marquez and he still couldn’t beat Manny.”

Ariza went on to say that he would not be surprised if Marquez did not make it through the first round. We all know how that fight turned out. Pacquiao wound up winning a decision which most boxing observers felt he did not deserve. The comments were not only very controversial but arrogant as well.

Ariza’s training techniques have also come under question. “Pacman’s” performance last May against Shane Mosley was sub par. He was not able to utilize the lateral movement and speed of foot that boxing fans have become accustomed to seeing. It was later revealed that Manny had suffered from leg cramping against Mosley.

Against Marquez, for the 2nd fight in a row Pacquiao was hampered by leg caramping. Some boxing pundits attributed the leg cramping to Manny’s habit of over training. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum warned team Pacquaio at the time about the danger of Manny overtraining and at one point Arum told trainer Freddie Roach to slow Manny down.

It would seem if there were any blame at all to spread around for Manny’s leg cramps, the bulk of the blame must land on the shoulders of Ariza. After all he is Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach. And if Bob Arum is sharp enough to pick up on the problem as Manny’s promoter, you would think that Ariza would be working diligently to prevent the problem from happening again.

So the question needs to be asked, what is Alex Ariza doing to alleviate the leg cramping problems that have now plaqued Manny in his two most recent fights?

Ariza was most recently quoted by Rope-A-Dope Radio saying:

“How do you get motivated for Bradley? The guys who we’re sparring in the gym are better than Bradley.”

What is the purpose of making such remarks prior to your fighter going into training camp where one of the chief challenges will be to get him motivated for a big fight?