ALLAN THE MAN

After getting the boot from Team Pacquiao, controversial coach Alex Ariza has decided to join Brandon Rios, the Filipino boxer’s opponent for the November 24 bout.

Ariza told Boxing Scene’s Ronnie Nathanielsz said he had no choice but to accept Rios’ offer.

“You think I would have ever left him (Pacquiao)? I would never have left him but I have to pay the bills too,” said the mercurial conditioning coach.

Ariza, a strength and conditioning expert, was instrumental in Pacquiao’s move to lightweight, junior welterweight, welterweight and junior middleweight ranks.

He trained the Filipino using specialized exercises that enhanced the boxer’s explosiveness, balance and dynamic movements, which came in handy against bigger foes like Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, Oscar de la Hoya and Anonio Margarito.

Their partnership helped Pacquiao complete eight world title wins in eight weight classes.

But Ariza’s relationship with Pacquiao’s boxing coach Freddie Roach deteriorated in recent years, leading to the conditioning trainer’s removal from Team Pacquiao.

The Colombian said what hurt him was that he learned of his release from the team through online reports.

“Manny could have called me himself and told me over the phone in a dignified, professional and affectionate manner, and said ‘ hey bro I don’t want to have any trouble in my camp at this time I’m just going to let you go.' He didn’t have to wait. He could have told me months ago instead of waiting for the last minute,” said Ariza.

“He was not the one who did it. He let Freddie do it over an Internet chat,” he added.

Ariza's partnership with Rios could cause trouble for Pacquiao, who is reeling from two straight defeats against Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Ariza had claimed that the Filipino boxer suffered lost the two fights because he decided not to follow their strength and conditioning regimen.

In an interview with Hustle Boss, Rios' trainer Robert Garcia welcomed Ariza's addition to their team.

"I think we'll create a good team... All he has to do is do his job and wish to build a great team," Garcia said. “Everybody tells me negative things about him, but I like his work. He does a good job.”

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