What I like about Alex Ariza is his no nonsense, shoot from the hip kind of attitude. Ariza recently packed up and split from Pacquiao’s camp to hook up with Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Once again as normal in all of Pacquiao’s training camps, controversy and muddy waters ensue.
Ariza says Pacquiao gave him permission. I don’t doubt that, but again as in all Pacquiao camps communication is a mess and more than likely nobody told Roach. Freddie is not happy about Ariza’s departure from camp at all. Read about that HERE
According to reports from the PI, Pacquiao is cool with everything. Manny told reporters that he was cool with Ariza leaving as long as he was waiting for them when the camp returns to Los Angeles. On the contrary, the normally supportive Freddie Roach told reporters that Ariza’s departure is ”unprofessional” and that Ariza is ”Not a pro.”
These are not words that show unity in a training camp. Pacquiao as normal strays away from saying anything negative, but for Roach to go public and blast Ariza, that’s a change of course.
Ariza definitely does not have a friend in Bob Arum. The two have gone back and forth in the media taking shots at each other for awhile now. Word on the street is that Arum wants Ariza gone. Perhaps this move by Ariza will be just what the doctor ordered for Bob.
Personally, I respect Ariza for putting certain folks on blast. Nothing is worse than a person that smiles in your face and then stabs your back when you turn around. With Ariza, at least people know where they stand.
Roach is no stranger to the strength and conditioning role. He had the job for many years prior to Ariza’s arrival. It’s not like Ariza is the end all be all of Pacquiao’s career, but I will say this, Ariza knows what he’s doing, so if it does happen that he is let go, this will have an impact.
