Legendary coach Freddie Roach said that he is not bothered at all by Juan Manuel Marquez?s employment of oldschool training methods in preparation for his fourth fight against Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao on December 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The Mexican media reported that Marquez regularly chopped woods and hit an old tire with a sledgehammer in his training camp in Nevado de Toluca, Mexico. The two exercises are also popular among mixed martial arts fighters because of their efficacy in developing the core muscles for overall power. Using the axe and sledge hammer recruit similar muscles used in explosive punching movements?they can be classified as plyometric exercises. Ernie Shavers, known as one of the hardest punchers in the heavyweight division used these routines to develop wallop in his punches.
?We know @JMMarquez_1 is going to run whatever training he has,? Roach posted on Twitter. ?The key to @MannyPacquiao winning will be speed and the ability to cut off the ring.?
Meanwhile, Franklin Gacal, Pacquiao?s longtime lawyer attested that the pound-for-pound king is getting stronger and faster under Roach?s tutelage, ?They never expect Manny to punch faster and stronger like that,? said Gacal in a telephone interview.
Pacquiao is aiming to attain his old deadly form just like when he knocked out Miguel Cotto in 2009. But Roach has trimmed down Pacquiao?s sparring sessions to avoid cramps, a problem that besieged the Filipino champ in recent fights.
?It is better than normal and everything is looking good according to Arum,? added Gacal. ?Manny?s hardwork and determination makes him tougher this time but we?re expecting to see a different Pacquiao when the fight date comes.?
