The excitement is building ahead of next Saturday, November 29th, as Pechanga Casino hosts another high-energy event under Manny Pacquiao Promotions. Among the standout matchups on the main card is the return of battle-tested veteran Luis Arias (22-5, 11 KOs), who will face San Diego’s undefeated rising star and WBC Champion Lazaro Lorenzana (17-0, 12 KOs). Behind Lorenzana’s explosive performances is strength and conditioning coach Alex Verdugo, the trainer responsible for his physical preparation, nutrition, and overall fight readiness.
Preparing for Battle: Fight-by-Fight Strategy
When it comes to preparing an athlete at Lorenzana’s level, Verdugo approaches each camp with fresh eyes. “We take it fight by fight,” he explains. “With Lazaro, I look at what happened in his last fight, and whatever stood out as a weakness is what we focus on for the next camp. For example, if his mobility looked a little off in the last fight, then this time around we put extra work into loosening him up and improving flexibility while still keeping his strength where it needs to be. It’s all about fixing what needs work and building him up for the next one.” Preparing for a major fight is intense, but Verdugo makes sure the atmosphere in camp stays uplifting and motivating. “I keep the focus on everything he’s improved throughout camp,” he says. “I remind him of exercises or movements he couldn’t do a year ago but now performs confidently. I always explain the purpose behind each workout, the benefit he’s gaining, and the small goals that build toward the big ones. Keeping him aware of his progress helps maintain confidence and positivity.”
What Matters Most: Health, Safety, and Smart Training
While the goal is peak performance, Verdugo emphasizes the importance of doing things the right and safe way. “The main things are keeping him healthy, avoiding injuries, and making sure we’re doing everything correctly. At the end of the day, the goal is to get him to fight at night feeling his best without pushing his body in a way that could hurt him.” Boxers have unique physical demands, and Verdugo tailors each program to the athlete. “Every athlete is different, especially boxers,” he explains. “Their training requires a lot of resistance work, band work, and controlled strength training. It’s not about how much they can lift; it’s about making them stronger without adding unnecessary bulk. My job is to build their strength while maintaining mobility, speed, and overall efficiency.” Cutting weight is one of the toughest parts of fight preparation, but Verdugo ensures it’s done safely and effectively. “During camp, we keep his diet pretty high in protein and play with his carbs some days higher, some days lower depending on the training load. Hydration is huge, and we make sure he’s eating good-quality food,” he says.“When fight week comes, we follow a water-loading and depletion plan to help him make weight. He drops down to 163 lbs for the weigh-ins, and right after, we give him a full menu so he can bounce back the right way. He usually puts on around 13 pounds so he’s strong and ready to go on fight night.”
A Coach Focused on Greatness
At the core of Verdugo’s approach is a commitment to helping each athlete reach their fullest potential. “Alex’s focus is always on the athlete achieving their main goal preparing for greatness,” the team notes. “He creates an environment where every person he trains can feel strong, confident, and supported. Taking the time to understand each athlete’s individual needs has allowed every fighter he works with thrive in their training” With thoughtful preparation, customized training, and a positive, athlete-first mindset, Alex Verdugo continues to play a crucial role in shaping Lazaro Lorenzana into one of boxing’s most exciting rising champions.
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Disclaimer
This article is based on information provided directly by trainer Alex Verdugo during an interview regarding his work with Lazaro Lorenzana. Nutrition, training methods, and weight cut protocols described are specific to this athlete and should not be applied to others without professional guidance.
