No more Thai sticks

Time was when Manny Pacquiao relished being struck repeatedly with Thai sticks that are used to help a fighter get used to pain.

Even if the proponent of that method is back, Australian strength coach Justin Fortune feels there is no need for it in this type of fight.

“Mayweather is different,” said Fortune recently, noting that the Thai sticks are used to condition a fighter who will be engaging in toe- to- toe exchanges.

Mayweather is a mover and hardly engages his opponent at close range and Fortune thinks the best way to help Pacquiao get prepared and ready against the US fighter is through movement.

Fortune served as Pacquiao’s conditioning coach from 2003 until 2007 and returned to the fold last year.