Spence’s best can’t beat Manny’s best

MANILA, Philippines — Los Angeles-based Australian strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune is convinced that WBC/IBF welterweight champion Errol Spence has no chance to beat super WBA ruler Sen. Manny Pacquiao when they battle in a scheduled 12-round triple unification bout at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Aug. 21.

“I’m not a gambling man and I don’t do predictions of fight outcomes but I can tell you for sure the best of Spence can’t beat the best of Manny,” said Fortune who has worked with Pacquiao since 2003. “The age difference is not a factor (Spence is 31). Manny hasn’t slowed down at 42. He’s a freak of nature. His power is a God-given gift and that’s not going away with age. Manny knows his body and he’s always in superb condition. He’s done 71 fights and he’s been a pro since 1995, that’s 26 years ago. That experience goes a long way. Manny’s speed, power and condition are out of this world.”

Pacquiao has been doing intense training in General Santos City the past four weeks. He began light workouts in Manila in late May then shifted to higher gear. His chief sparmate is Davao City welterweight Jayar Inson who is a 5-10 southpaw with a 71-inch reach. Spence is also left-handed, stands 5-9 1/2 and has a 72-inch wingspan. Inson, 30, totes a 19-3 record, with 12 KOs and his three losses came from two fights in Las Vegas and one in South Africa. He has won in Japan, China and Malaysia. “Si Jayar kasing height ni Spence at southpaw din,” said Pacquiao’s assistant trainer Nonoy Neri. “Unang sparring nila three rounds tapos four. Yung stamina ni Senator, parang hindi napapagod.” Pacquiao and Inson will spar five rounds today then the Senator’s team is scheduled to leave for Los Angeles on Saturday.

Fortune said even if Pacquiao lands in L. A. in 70 percent shape, it’s no problem. “Perfect timing, we’ll still have seven weeks to go before the fight,” he said. “Manny will be ready 100 percent. That’s just the way he is. In workouts, he’ll always ask for more rounds. In Spence’s fight against Danny Garcia last December, he looked slow and wasn’t as strong as he used to be. Garcia ended up with just a black eye. Manny’s opponents usually end up in the hospital. I think there’s a lingering effect from Spence’s car accident in 2019.”

Because of travel restrictions, Pacquiao didn’t call on Fortune to come over to open training camp as he usually does. “It would’ve been useless,” said Fortune. “I would’ve been quarantined in a hotel for 10 days, like I’d be in prison. I’ll wait for Manny to arrive in L. A. with Freddie (Roach).” Pacquiao kicked off his training with trusted coach Buboy Fernandez and Neri.