Freddie Roach and Alex Ariza haven't exactly been getting along lately. And the well-accomplished boxing trainer recently stated that he won't allow Ariza to work Pacquiao's corner during his upcoming June 9 bout against Timothy Bradley.
"I said some things on 24/7 last night that Alex might not like," Roach said. "If he has something to say to me about it, he'll say it. But I won't let it affect my fighter and I know what's important here and that's the focus of Manny Pacquiao. … Manny likes him and wants him on board, so that's the way it is. Alex will be there until the fight and once we get to the fight and I put down my four corner men, he won't be on the list."
The drama between Roach and Ariza started earlier during Pacquiao's training camp, when the latter decided to leave the Philippines to go work with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Ariza did get permission from Manny before leaving camp, but his decision robbed Roach the wrong way. If Roach gets his way, Ariza won't be in Pacquiao's corner for the first time in years.
Pacquiao will still get to train with Ariza leading up to his bout against Bradley, so Ariza's absence shouldn't be a big deal. However, it is one more distraction the Filipino congressman will have to deal with, as if his plate isn't already full enough.
From legal problems in his native Philippines, to rumors about his finances not being in order, Pacquiao simply can't get a break heading into his June 9 showdown.
Bradley on the other hand has enjoyed a drama-free training camp, and I do think he'll have the mental edge when the two eventually square up. Unfortunately for Bradley, he hasn't really demonstrated serious punching power over the years, and his chances of securing a decision against one of the most recognized boxers in the world are pretty slim.
David is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and boxing practitioner that has watched and studied MMA for the past 7 years. Follow him on twitter @davidkingwriter and check out his blog.
Sources:
Chris Robinson, "Roach Takes Aim, Drops Ariza From Pacquiao's Corner"
Fight and fighter information from BoxRec.com
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