LAS VEGAS – Strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza played down his role in the welterweight unification bout between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather.
Although he’s now working for Mayweather after a falling out with Pacquiao and trainer Freddie roach, Ariza stressed the focus should be on the two superstar fighters and not on him.
Ariza worked as Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach for five years but parted ways with the fighting congressman of Sarangani province following the devastating loss to Juan Manuel Marquez.
“This is not about me and Manny,” said Ariza, who also previously worked in the camp of Brandon Rios in his loss to Pacquiao.
Other than that, Ariza declined to answer questions during Mayweather’s Grand Arrival at the MGM Grand on Tuesday, saying Mayweather doesn’t want to talk to reporters – especially Filipinos – because they do not get both sides of the coin.
He said nobody talks to Floyd or at least attempts to get his side on issues which he’d rather not say.
“At least hit two sides. You guys just sit there and say sh%^, shi#%, sh$@,” said Ariza.
The strength and conditioning coach first worked for Pacquiao when he fought the great Oscar De La Hoya in 2008, although he's been with the corner of the Filipino southpaw as early as the fight against David Diaz.
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