Boxing
Baguio-based trainer gets big break after Ariza’s departure from Pacquiao camp
BAGUIO CITY — Baguio’s well-known athletics and boxing conditioner Marvin Somodeo started conditioning exercises of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao under the close watch and supervision of American coach Freddie Roach Monday night.
Columbian conditioning coach Alex Ariza left Team Pacquiao over the weekend to attend to Mexican boxing champion Cesar Julio Chavez who will soon have a title defense.
Ariza has served the Filipino ring idol since 2008, starting with Pacquiao’s bout with David Diaz.
Somodeo, Roach and the rest of the team appear to get along nicely as Paquiao continued his daily routine of jogging, gym workouts and Bible sharing.
The Baguio-based stands five-feet-two inches tall but stocky like the usual physique of the sturdy and strong natives of the Cordillera Administrative Region.
Somodeo, a known fan of Pacquiao pledged to do everything he knows in the art as he feels the job is both as source of pride and honor.
Meanwhile, the family and foreign spar mates of the Filipino champion arrived Tuesday prior to the regular jogging schedule at a hillside subdivision.
Pacquiao is set to face for a sparring session either sparmate, a British and an American who are both based in the United States.
