Fortune favors Pacquiao, says KO looming

MANNY Pacquiao tackles a jumping exercise as Justin Fortune (left) and assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez look on. ROY LUARCA

HOLLYWOOD—One of Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s latent gifts is his ability to switch gears in an instant.

He can adjust every round depending on the skill level of his opponent.

Manny Pacquiao’s chief trainer, Freddie Roach, and his conditioning coach, Justin Fortune, know that. But they’re hardly worried.

Fortune, in fact, believes Mayweather won’t be able to adapt to whatever Pacquiao will bring to the ring.

“As soon as Manny hits him and hurts him, Floyd will revert to his old, familiar ways,” said Fortune, who believes Pacquiao will eventually win by knockout if he adheres to Roach’s fight plan.

In earlier interviews, Fortune, a former heavyweight contender from Australia, insisted Pacquiao still wields the same power and speed that terrorized the 140- to 147-pound division five years ago.

All that Pacquiao needs to do is listen and execute what Roach has prepared for Mayweather.

While reports emanating from the Mayweather camp suggest that he has new-found power and has been knocking down sparring partners, Fortune said it hardly mattered as the Filipino ring icon hits harder.

For more updates on Pacquiao-Mayweather “Fight of the Century,” visit The Pacquiao Files.