Manny Pacquiao’s Calves Cause Concern

Manny Pacquiao needs his fists to beat Floyd Mayweather. He also needs his calves.

Pac Man skipped a scheduled weekend run, sparking concerns over his readiness to fight in just over one month.

“Manny won’t run today,” strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune told USA Today. “It is not the end of the world, but we do it for a reason.”

The 57-5 welterweight suffers from leg cramps. The Filipino has reportedly purchased an $1,800 tube of anti-inflammatory cream, employs a masseuse, and ditched hill running all in an effort to heal his hurt calves.

Like his hips, ankles, and toes, Pacquiao’s calves play an unheralded but important role in generating the power that he delivers with his fists. They also play a more obvious role in movement. Pacquiao needs cramp-free calves for footwork in avoiding and engaging his opponent come May 2.

“I make it hard for him but he needs to suck it up,” Fortune told USA Today. “Fighting Mayweather is not easy, either. There are always consequences.”