Pacquiao's training shifts to higher gear

MANILA, Philippines — After a brief bout with the flu, Manny Pacquiao is ready to go full-blast in his preparations for the Nov. 13 clash with Antonio Margarito, the Filipino pound-for-pound king’s conditioning coach said on Friday.

Alex Ariza said on Friday that Pacquiao has started to upgrade his intake of supplements in anticipation of a drastic change in training in the coming days.

“He has been taking an extra serving of protein shake,” said Ariza, revealing that the plyometrics and isometric exercises, aimed at toughening up Pacquiao for the grueling battle against the bigger Margarito, will be utilized to the max.

Ariza has been a familiar fixture in Pacquiao’s training and corner since mid-2008 and his team-up with top trainer Freddie Roach has produced stunning victories over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao is expected to be in near top physical condition by the time he leaves for the US on Oct. 23 for the final phase of the buildup under more recognizable conditions at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.

Mike Koncz, the fighter’s consiglieri, said they are traveling back to Manila on Oct. 22.

“We will proceed to Manila on the 22nd after training then hold his final workout (in the Philippines) the next day before we leave for the US,” added Koncz.

Pacquiao has been camping out in Baguio since Sept. 27 and sparring three times a week with imported sparmates Glen Tapia and Michael Medina mostly behind closed doors at the Shape Up Gym inside the Cooyeesan Hotel on Naguilian Road.

Pacquiao is a huge 5-1 favorite to beat up Margarito and capture an unprecedented eight world title by claiming the vacant World Boxing Council super-welterweight crown.

Nick Giongco, Manila Bulletin