Pacquiao finds strength, speed in plyometrics

There must be something special about this new form of exercise that Manny Pacquiao has been battering taller, bigger and heavier sparring partners being thrown at him by trainer Freddie Roach.

Although he did not go into specifics, Pacquiao bared yesterday that he’s been into plyometrics the last two weeks as part of his daily regimen in preparation for the Dec. 6 fight with Oscar dela Hoya.

Plyometrics is a type of training “designed to produce fast, powerful movements, and improve the functions of the nervous system for the purpose of improving performance in a specific sport.”

Plyometric movements use the strength and elasticity of muscles “to jump higher, run faster, throw farther, or hit harder, depending on the desired training goal.”

Plyometrics is primarily designed to increase the height of a jump or the speed of a punch or throw. Pacquiao has been doing these exercises in an isolated room of the Wild Card Gym.

Pacquiao did not say how it’s done, but added it’s been showing good results.

“I can feel the change in my system. I can see the increase in size in some of my body parts and I’m happy. This science will give me the needed size and power behind my punch,” said Pacquiao.

Alex Ariza, who started out as Pacquiao’s conditioning coach for the David Diaz fight last June, introduced the Filipino superstar to plyometrics, which shouldn’t take away the speed in the boxer.

“We know that speed will still be my biggest weapon in this fight and we’re making sure we don’t lose this advantage,” said Pacquiao, close to seven weeks heading into the big fight.

“So far, so good. I hope this continues.”

Pacquiao sparred for the third time at the Wild Card Gym yesterday (Saturday in Los Angeles) and, according to noted orthodontist Ed dela Vega, the slugger from Gen. Santos City pummeled yet another fighter.

Dela Vega reported at www.philboxing.com that Pacquiao caught welterweight Marcus McDaniels (or McDonalds perhaps) with a powerful left to the head along the ropes in the third round.

The 154-pounder brought in to spar with Pacquiao for the day was stunned or staggered as he dropped his hands and leaned on the ropes.

But instead of pressing the attack, Pacquiao paused, and asked his sparring partner, “Are you okay?” He let the round pass to give Marcus time to rest for the fourth and final round of the day.