Ex-Jackson Wink GM details Aaron Pico's brutal sparring: broken ribs, orbital fractures, knockouts

Former Jackson Wink general manager Mikhail Lyubimov has described Aaron Pico as one of the most physically destructive sparring partners he ever witnessed, recounting partners leaving with broken ribs, shattered orbital bones, and being knocked unconscious. Sparring partners began refusing sessions with Pico or demanding payment, and the hostile gym environment eventually led to a rift with fellow top prospect Steve Garcia, with the two now training separately. Pico has since relocated much of his camp to Morocco, where he trains at a well-funded facility, though he was recently spotted training at Cub Swanson's gym in California. Lyubimov described Pico as highly professional and personable outside of competition, but noted that Pico visibly struggled mentally and physically in the aftermath of his knockout loss to Mick Murphy.