By Dallan O’ Donnell: Alex Ariza, the strength and conditioning coach of Manny Pacquiao and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. was recently speaking on an American radio show SASN, the big topics in boxing.
He told the shows presenter that Pacquiao is training really well right now and is well on course for the Bradley fight. He also spoke about having to leave Pacquiao camp early as he had to help Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. prepare as he is much bigger they have to start training earlier to make weight, of course he faces Andy Lee next, which won’t be the easiest of fights for Chavez.
He also spoke about a potential future opponent for Chavez in Sergio Martinez, thought by many respects to be one of the best opponents around. Ariza thinks that Martinez is a “superstar” and he is perplexed as to why he is not the biggest name in boxing right now.
He also spoke on the recent events involving Lamont Peterson and the drug controversy.
Ariza began by defending Peterson but also stating that he could only comment on what he has read himself. He did say that the level of testosterone that Peterson had before taking the pellets was that of an 80 year old man.
He went on to say that the pellets are only used to bring the levels up slightly and that it is rare that they would bring testosterone levels up to optimum levels. He said that the whole situation was “unfortunate”.
Ariza was also asked about whether or not substance abuse would become too much of an issue, but Ariza believes it will not, by saying that fighter already struggle to make weight so why would they make it harder.
Then the inevitable Pacquiao vs. Mayweather question arose.
Ariza summed it up perfectly by saying if it was to happen then it would have happened already.
He also gave another great quote, that fighters are supposed to fight and promoters are supposed to promote. Perhaps a little dig at Bob Arum thrown in there?
He finished by saying that he is hopeful, that the biggest fight ever would happen, Manny wants the fight and Floyd wants the fight.
So, why can’t this fight be made? Is Peterson innocent? Is Sergio Martinez a superstar? Tell me on Twitter @dallan09
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