Assistant trainer Marvin Somodio working with Manny Pacquiao in camp (Photo: Instagram.com)
By Chris Robinson
When we last spoke with trainer Marvin Somodio, he was soaking up the aftermath that came from Ruslan Provodnikov’s rousing victory over Mike Alvarado inside of the 1STBANK Center in Denver, Colo.
While the sight of Provodnikov hammering Alvarado into submission was one of extreme gratification for Somodio, he had little time to celebrate, as he flew back to his home base of Los Angeles right after to pack and embark on another trek to Manila, Philippines.
Somodio now finds himself entrenched in the training camp of eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao in General Santos City, for whom he works as an assistant under head trainer Freddie Roach.
Speaking exclusively to HustleBoss.com, Somodio, a native of the province of Iloilo, insists that coming back to the Philippines is special for a few reasons.
“The Philippines will always be my home,” he stated. “My roots are here. I can be wherever my job would take me to. But of course, nothing beats working in your own backyard.”
Asked about the atmosphere inside of the Pacman Wild Card Gym, Somodio insists that the training has thus far been very private, outside of the essential personnel.
“Same as it has always been,” Somodio revealed. “A lot of different boxers training and sparring. So you get to know a few more different characters. It’s fun.”
Working under Roach, Somodio has been able to study the Five-time Trainer of the Year’s relationship with Pacquiao, who he has worked with dating back to his June 2001 victory over Lehlo Ledwaba.
“Nothing has changed between their bond,” Somodio claimed. “It’s been more than ten years so there is this special bond between them. I don’t think it will change even after Manny retires. There is this mutual respect.”
Nearing 35 years old, Pacquiao is looking to snap a two-fight losing streak with his Nov. 23 assignment against rugged former champion Brandon Rios, who he faces in Macau, China.
A knockout at the hands of Juan Manuel Marquez this past December served as a huge setback for Pacquiao, yet Somodio is adamant that taking in Manny’s recent training sessions is something to behold.
“I’m not just saying this but he is still incredible to watch,” Somodio claimed. “You would think, at almost 35 years old, he’d be tapering off but he’s not.”
CHECK BELOW FOR more all-access coverage from the boxing world…
Miguel Cotto offered $10 million to face Canelo in March; Peter Quillin also an option
Floyd Mayweather Sr. Mailbag Vol. 1: Floyd’s sparring w/ Spadafora, Muhammad Ali, training Roger
Evgeny Gradovich continues to grind for the Billy Dib rematch; more hard work at the RGBA
Adrien Broner showing off his game plan for Maidana? Mitt work video highlights while in camp
J’Leon Love mitt work with Rafael Ramos as Dec. 6 Mayweather Promotions card nears
Amir Khan hit by a drunk driver! Takes to Instagram to update fans [CR’s Commentary]
Naazim Richardson discusses Gennady Golovkin vs. Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward, and Hopkins
Shawn Porter talks sparring at the MBC, taking Alexander’s heart, Broner vs. Maidana, Mayweather
Behind the scenes with Roberto ‘La Amenaza’ Garcia in Texas during his recent victory over Smith
Floyd Mayweather Sr. reveals how the fighters at the Mayweather Boxing Club keep him young
J Love and Cuba speak on their tough sparring, Hopkins wanting to face Floyd, Quillin vs. Rosado
Fighters at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy not feeling Floyd Mayweather vs. Amir Khan
Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com