Filipino world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao lands a punch on his conditioning coach Alex Ariza as he joked him before the start of his training in northern Philippine resort city of Baguio March 23, 2011. Pacquiao is in Baguio on a month-long training p
Filipino world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao lands a punch on his conditioning coach Alex Ariza as he joked him before the start of his training in northern Philippine resort city of Baguio March 23, 2011. Pacquiao is in Baguio on a month-long training programme for his May 7 WBO welterweight fight with Shane Mosley of the U.S. REUTERS/Erik de Castro U.S. Reuters/Erik de Castro

Manny Pacquiao's former strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza is not too optimistic that the super fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. will really happen. Recently, Pacquiao has revealed that he is expecting an announcement about the said super fight to be made later this month. However, Ariza refuted Pacquiao's latest statements and said that the Filipino should do more to make the fight come to fruition rather than entice the boxing fans.

"It takes more than saying the fight will happen," Ariza told Manila Standard Today via phone interview. "You have to be consistent and Manny needs to take other measures to try and make the fight happen."

According to Ariza, who now serves as Mayweather's strength and conditioning coach, the undefeated fighter hasn't event started training for his next fight. He added that Mayweather wants to fight Pacquiao as much as the Filipino wants to fight him.

Instead of making statements in the media, Ariza further stressed that Pacquiao should firmly hold his ground and not settle for anybody's decision as far as the Mayweather fight is concerned. He said that Pacquiao should serve an ultimatum and give Top Rank Promotions one month to finalise the deal. If the fight remains unsettled, Ariza said that Pacquaio should tell Arum upfront that he will get a new promoter as another option.

Boxing fans are evidently eager to witness that much-anticipated clash, which is expected to go down as the richest fight in the history of the sport. Ariza said he will feel bad about the fans who would be completely disappointed if they find out that Pacquiao's statements were less good than they had believed.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao's adviser also seemed surprise about Pacquiao's claims that an announcement is expected to be made soon. Nonetheless, Koncz said he is doing the best he can to finalise the Mayweather fight.

In the latest development about the fight, the Los Angeles Times reported that there is progress regarding the negotiation about the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. So far, both parties have reportedly agreed on the venue, which is the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. The procedure for drug-testing has already been agreed upon. However, there are things that are yet to be finalised such as the date, purse split and contractual terms.

To reach the author of this article, email r.corpuz@IBTimes.com.au.

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