FILE PHOTO – Manny Pacquiao together with strength and conditioning coach Justine Fortune inside the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles, California, April 4, 2016. Pacquiao is in perfect condition for his fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. according to Fortune. PHOTO BY REM ZAMORA
BRISBANE, Australia—If Jeff Horn thinks he can outmuscle Manny Pacquiao through superb physical conditioning, he’s grossly mistaken.
As far as strength coach Justin Fortune is concerned, Pacquiao is a rare gem in this aspect.
“A physical freak,” as Fortune describes the eight-division world champion.
Fortune, a Sydney-born Australian now running a boxing and fitness gym in Hollywood, should know.
He’d worked with Pacquiao for several years, including the time when Pacquiao was wreaking havoc on every division he steps into.
Even then, Pacquiao continues to marvel Fortune with his stamina and metabolism.
He sees Pacquiao eating voraciously five times a day during training camp, yet hardly reaches the 147-pound limit.
Consider Pacquiao’s preparations for Horn.
Five days before they tangle for the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown, Pacquiao weighed 145 lb after a hearty meal.
Turning 39 in December, Pacquiao also shows little sign of slowing down, convincing Fortune that he’d be able to stop Horn, if he wills himself into it.
Horn’s vaunted right won’t land because Pacquiao will beat him to the punch.