Maxboxing.com has
learned that former strength-and-conditioning coach for Manny Pacquiao, Alex
Ariza is now working with Brandon Rios on a two-week trial basis. Pacquiao and
Rios are set to fight each other November 23 in Macao, China's Cotai Arena,
live on HBO Pay-Per-View. Each is set to begin testing with the Voluntary
Anti-Doping Association (VADA) in the coming weeks.
Maxboxing.com was told by a source that Mikey Garcia,
Rios and Ariza were seen working out at the famous steps in Santa Monica, CA.
On Monday, Rios' publicist, Nancy Rodriguez clarified that Ariza had not been
hired for the whole camp, which is underway, but rather for the trial period
“to see how everyone gets along.” That trial began on Saturday. Rios has been
training since August but went into full training mode in September, according
to Rodriguez.
Rios previously
worked with Angel “Memo” Heredia for his rematch with Mike Alvarado but the two
could not come to an agreement for this camp thus making room for Ariza.
No word if Garcia,
slated to fight Rocky Martinez on November 9 as part of an HBO tripleheader, is
working with Ariza on a trial basis as well or if he plans on remaining with
incumbent strength coach Darryl Hudson, with whom he has trained with since
before winning his featherweight title earlier this year. It is also unclear at
press time if Ariza will be working with the rest of trainer Robert Garcia's
stable.
