Fortune wary of Pacquiao reaching peak form early

HOLLYWOOD—When Manny Pacquiao gets going, it’s difficult to hold him back.

Strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune knows  this and he’s pleased with the rapid strides Pacquiao took to reach optimum fighting form.

After watching Pacquiao spar for 11 rounds Thursday, Fortune said  it was time for him to hold Pacquiao down because he was peaking too soon for his colossal battle with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas on May 2.

Fortune, a former heavyweight boxer from Australia, said  Pacquiao has to take it easy starting Friday.

From the usual 48 to 54 minutes of running at Griffith Park, Fortune said the eight-division world champion  will limit it to 48.  Conditioning exercises and other gym work will also be cut to allow Pacquiao’s body to fully recover.

On Saturday, however, Pacquiao will be allowed to take his final exam for this training camp. He’ll have to spar for a full 12 rounds and try to execute the battle plan perfectly.

With Pacquiao’s strength and speed back,  Fortune said they will now concentrate on enhancing agility and lateral movement.

Fortune also expressed confidence that Pacquiao will be faster and stronger than Mayweather on fight night.

“He’s a 147-pound middleweight who moves like a featherweight,” said Fortune of Pacquiao  as he dismissed Mayweather’s claim of his newfound punching power.

“Punchers are born,” said Fortune, who is recovering from throat and neck cancer. “If ever, the most Mayweather can do is raise his power to 10 percent.”

And Fortune said that won’t be enough to stop the Pacquiao Express.