Pacquiao close to peak form for Mayweather bout, says Fortune

HOLLYWOOD—Right on the dot.

For Justin Fortune, it isn’t the right time for Manny Pacquiao to hit 100 percent yet. What the strength and conditioning coach wants is for Pacquiao to reach the peak of his form in the final two days of the Fight of the Century set May 2 in Las Vegas.

After watching Pacquiao spar for eight rounds Tuesday, Fortune declared Pacquiao’s readiness for the gigantic showdown with Floyd Mayweather to be between 85 to 90 percent.

Of course, Pacquiao had already made the grade as far as strength and stamina are concerned, according to Fortune, a 49-year-old former heavyweight boxer.

“I want him to reach the top by Friday, the final weigh-in,” said Fortune, noting that no significant changes will happen within that time frame.

Impressed with Pacquiao’s current form, Fortune said it was back to his old form when the eight-division world champion was smothering those who dared to cross his path (Oscar De La Hoya, Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, etc.).

“He’s happy and when he’s happy, he tends to fight well,” said Fortune.

With Pacquiao having no difficulty keeping his weight in check, Fortune said he expects the Fighter of the Decade to check in at 146 to 147 pounds for the Friday official weigh-in then rehydrate very lightly to 149 or 150 on fight night Saturday.

But regardless of the weight, Fortune is confident Pacquiao will beat Mayweather comfortably.