By James Slater: Britain’s Amir Khan, the reigning WBA light welterweight champ, parted ways with strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza recently, upset over “something that happened in camp that I didn’t like.” And now, according to a news report on The Manila Bulletin, Pound-for-Pound king Manny Pacquiao, along with ace trainer Freddie Roach, is also in the process of deciding whether or not to part ways with Ariza.
“That’s between Manny, Freddie and Alex,” Pac-Man aide Michael Koncz told The Manila Bulletin in reply to whether or not there is a chance Ariza will be let go.
Reportedly, Roach told a couple of writers based in Manila that Pacquiao can get himself into top shape in camp without the assistance of Ariza. Koncz said Freddie “politely declined” when asked whether or not he would be bringing Ariza over to Manila as Pac-Man begins training for the Mosley fight of May 7th.
Also, Roach said that if he does let Ariza go, he will not look for a replacement strength and conditioning guy.
“I know how to get him in shape and Manny knows how to get in shape,” Roach said.
It really is a question when it comes to just what Ariza has done to come so seemingly close to losing favour with Roach and his fighters. Khan has not really explained what Ariza did in training camp for his winning fight with Marcos Maidana, but something sure did upset him. Khan now has a new strength and conditioning trainer.
Ariza did nothing but great things for Khan, or so we thought. And as for his work with Pac-Man, Ariza helped the superstar gain awesome and impressive wins over the likes of Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.
Could Ariza soon find himself out of Team-Pacquiao?
Shane Mosley, meanwhile, is convinced he can beat Pac-Man on May 7th and cause a huge upset. “Sugar” has said a few times he feels his power will get the job done for him because “styles make fights.”
Will the possible loss of Alex Ariza from Pac-Man’s corner give Mosley any further chance of winning?