Pacquiao reunites with ex-fitness coach Fortune

MANILA, Philippines – Justin Fortune, who served as Manny Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach a few years ago, will be back in the Filipino icon’s camp in the same capacity for Pacquiao’s fight against Brandon Rios in November.

Fortune, who served as Pacquiao’s conditioning guru from 2003 to 2007 before he was fired by chief trainer Freddie Roach, will replace Alex Ariza, whom was likewise relieved by Roach and has now transferred to Rios’ camp.

A former professional boxer from Australia, Fortune has been credited for turning Pacquiao into a well-sculpted fighting machine during his tenure as the boxer’s conditioning coach. Among his well-known routines is the use of Thai sticks to hit Pacquiao’s arms repeatedly to toughen them up.

Fortune was likewise shown hitting Pacquiao’s abdomen continually during sessions.

Reports said Fortune will arrive in the country on Oct. 6 to join Team Pacquiao in training for the Nov. 24 fight with Rios.