Alex Ariza points to Manny Pacquiao's conditioning as key to victory in comeback
Renowned strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza believes that Manny Pacquiao's conditioning will be vital to making a triumphant return against WBC world welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, who is making a comeback at 46 years old after losing to Yordenis Ugas in 2021, aims to break his record of being the oldest welterweight champion in history by defeating Barrios, who is 16 years younger.
For Ariza, it all boils down to what has been done in training camp.
'It boils down to who has, at this stage at 46, the more scientific, comprehensive program to train a 46-year-old. You look at Barrios' camp, what they are doing over there, and look what they are doing at Manny's camp,' Ariza said in an exclusive interview.
Ariza, known for whipping Pacquiao to tip-top shape during the Filipino's glory days, has worked with several world champions in the past, including Floyd Mayweather, Amir Khan, and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.
Contrary to popular belief, Ariza says fighting at 46 isn't overly risky.
'I don't think it is too dangerous, I definitely think he can do it,' Ariza quipped.
'I am with everybody else; he's got the speed and power for five rounds, but at this stage of your career, it is all about conditioning. It is about your diet, recovery, who is in charge, and who is the specialist in his camp. That is going to tell you the story at the end of the day.'
Asked for a prediction, Ariza says it could go either way.
'50-50 fight,' he said.
—JMB, GMA Integrated News
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
GMA Network
14 hours ago
- GMA Network
Kyle Kuzma says Filipino basketball players need more than heart, luck to reach NBA
It's no secret how much Filipinos love the game of basketball. But can heart alone take us to the NBA? For Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma, heart may ignite the dream, but it is hard work and discipline that turn it into reality, especially in a league where height still matters like the NBA. "Yes [heart can overcome height and athletic ability], but sometimes you know, you just run out of height, especially in the game of basketball," Kuzma said in a press conference on Wednesday as part of his 'KuzManila II' at the Okada Manila. "You look at it like this, you have point guards that are 6-foot-7. It's hard [because] it's a big league." The Philippines has long hoped to see a homegrown player break into the NBA. Most recently, two-time UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao tried his luck in the United States, joining private workouts and training sessions in his bid to become the first homegrown Filipino to reach the big league. But the Gilas Pilipinas standout has yet to land a team — at least for now. Still, Kuzma believes cracking an NBA roster isn't far-fetched in today's era and while luck plays a role in opening doors, he warns that heart and luck alone won't be enough to make the dream a reality. "But that doesn't mean you can't make it. At the end of the day, anybody really can make it, you just have to work, you have to have a lot of luck. It's super important part of being successful," the one-time NBA champion said. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
2 days ago
- GMA Network
Kyle Kuzma reconnects with Pinoy fans in return to Manila
Second tour, same love. NBA star Kyle Kuzma is back in Manila, rekindling ties with Filipino fans and the local basketball community just a year after his first visit to the Philippines. The Milwaukee Bucks forward is in the Philippines again for 'KuzManila II,' where he aims to further deepen his connection with local basketball fans. The one-time NBA champion was spotted early Wednesday at the Tenement Court in Sta. Ana, Manila and was warmly welcomed by aspiring young ballers. Later in the day, Kuzma will meet the local press in an official conference at the Okada Manila where he is expected to talk about his return and ongoing connection with Filipino fans. Last February, Kuzma ended a four-year stint with the Washington Wizards after he was traded to the Bucks for Khris Middleton. —JMB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
3 days ago
- GMA Network
PHLPost releases commemorative stamp for FIVB Men's World Championship
The FIVB Men's World Championship commemorative stamp and its presentation during the 'Set Natin 'To' launch. (Photos: PHLPost) The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has released its commemorative stamps in celebration of the country's hosting of the FIVB Men's World Championship this September. PHLPost Chief of Staff Atty. Marigold L. Arroyo, representing Postmaster General and CEO Maximo Sta. Maria III, and Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) President Ramon 'Tats' Suzara led the presentation of the stamps during the 'Set Natin 'To' launch event last week. Arroyo said PHLPost is honored to be part of the historic event. 'PHLPost is honored to be part of this historic milestone, as the world's best volleyball athletes bring their skill, discipline, and heart to Philippine soil. This is more than a tournament—it is a celebration of resilience and excellence, values that every Filipino athlete carries with pride,' Arroyo said. 'On behalf of PHLPost, we extend our gratitude to the organizers, athletes, and fans—whether in the stands or at home. Together, the Filipino people are set to celebrate not only the sport of volleyball, but also the unity and passion that define us as a community,' According to the Post Office, 10,000 copies of the commemorative stamp have been printed. Each stamp costs PHP 16. Another set featuring the Philippine flag and mascots Koolog, Kid Lat, and Hataw has also been produced. The Philippines will host the FIVB Men's World Championship from September 12 to 28. —JKC, GMA Integrated News
