FightFan.com caught up with Wild Card trainer Justin Fortune who has assumed the position of head trainer for pound-for-pound terror Manny Pacquiao during Freddie Roach’s absence. Don’t miss what Fortune had to say about Pacquiao’s preparations for his April 14 fight against Jorge Solis. Only on FightFan.com!
FF: Justin thank you for taking the time to talk with FightFan.com You’re currently the head trainer for Manny Pacquiao with Freddie Roach off working with Oscar De La Hoya. How long have you been working with Manny Pacquiao?
JF: Four years now.
FF: What sort of shape does he show up to camp in and what are his training habits like?
JF: For this camp specifically, he didn’t show up until four weeks out, but he’d been training for some time in the Philippines. When he got here, he was in good shape for this fight. He did his preliminary training in the Philippines and when he got here we were ready to finish off.
FF: There’s always some kind of distraction going on around Manny. Is he pretty good at leaving the world at the door when he shows up to train?
JF: He likes organized chaos. Listen, when he shows up to the gym, he’s ready to train. He has a very unique ability to do that.
FF: When you received word you’d be the head trainer for this fight what were your thoughts?
JF: No difference. I’ve been with him for his last six or seven fights so there really isn’t much change.
FF: How will preparation in this camp differ without Freddie around? Will there be any differences?
JF: No difference. Freddie has to go away at various times during Manny’s training every fight so there’s not really any change. Freddie and I have been working together for five years now and as long as one of us is here, the fighters don’t tend to worry too much. If it’s a fight like Barrera or Marquez, it’s a bit more important for Freddie to be more involved because he’s such a good tactician.
FF: How is he looking in the gym now and is he getting close to fighting shape?
JF: Yeah, he’s about 95 per cent there. He’s right on target to peak on the day of the fight.
FF: How is he looking in sparring? What kind of sparring partners does he have now and is he getting some good work?
JF: Today he did 12 rounds with Jose Santa Cruz and David Rodelo. He’s been getting some great sparring in and he’s sharp.
FF: What do you know about Jorge Solis, his opponent for April 14?
JF: He’s a good fighter. They’re all dangerous because they lift themselves to another level when they fight Pacquiao because they want to showcase themselves by fighting him. He’s dangerous. Every fighter is dangerous because boxing’s a dangerous sport. Anything can happen.
FF: Are you guys working on anything particular to Solis and his style?
JF: Yeah, but if I told you, what would be the point?
FF: Any time a top fighter like Manny takes a fight like this, there’s always concern among fans that the star fighter might be taking the lesser-known fighter lightly. Any concern of that here?
JF: No. I stress to Manny every single day to never take anybody lightly. They’re all dangerous to him because of who he is. Like I said, everyone lifts himself to a new level when they fight him and for this kid it’s the fight of his life.
FF: Do you anticipate a 100 per cent in shape and focused Manny come fight night?
JF: Oh absolutely. Guaranteed.
FF: Give us some perspective here, you’ve been in the game a long time as a fighter yourself and for years of training after, how big of a puncher is Manny?
JF: Oh yeah. He’s a strong fighter. When you double that up with his speed, it makes him a devastating puncher.
FF: I’ve had the pleasure of seeing him in the gym and he is a fast fighter, isn’t’ he?
JF: If he didn’t have the speed, he’d be a big puncher and a banger. But with that speed added in, it’s what makes him fucking devastating, you know?
FF: Do you think he’s filled out at 130 pounds now and is a solid 130-pound fighter?
JF: Yes. He’s solid at 130.
FF: Is it confirmed that Freddie will be flying into San Antonio for fight night?
JF: I hope so. He’s trying, but you know there are all those problems with De La Hoya and Arum. I don’t get involved but I know he’s trying. It depends on what their schedule is down in Puerto Rico.
FF: If for whatever reason Freddie can’t make it, you and Manny both feel 100 per cent comfortable going into the fight?
JF: Oh hell yeah.
FF: Good to hear. Thanks very much Justin, I appreciate you taking the time to talk with the FightFans at FightFan.com.
JF: No problem.
