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