Freddie Roach is an A-List trainer who is widely respected within the sport of boxing. Throughout the years, the crux of that esteem stems from his knowledge, reputation and character. Those who know Roach best say: ‘Freddie is a straight shooter… Freddie protects his fighters… Freddie can’t be bent… Freddie’s life is boxing….’
An ideal example of Roach’s unwavering commitment would be his 5 year guidance of super featherweight fighter, Manny Pacquiao.
But once a fighter (like Pacquiao) becomes a promotional golden goose, things can get dicey amongst the combatants who are vying for his allegiance. Rumors and allegations are launched against anyone who opposes their agenda – all in an attempt to sway and coax the fighter towards their position.
Fightnews spoke to Roach concerning the recent scuttlebutt directed at him, and this is what he had to say:
Recently, there has been talk that you intentionally tried to ‘deliver’ Manny Pacquiao to GBP in order to land the job of training Oscar de la Hoya for his upcoming bout with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Yet, I distinctly recall speaking to you on previous occasions regarding rumors of you being considered to train Oscar – especially for his fight with Bernard Hopkins. Can you please clarify? Throughout the years, Richard Schaefer and I have talked about me training Oscar many times. Especially for the Hopkins fight in 2004. And we have talked about it again for his fight with Mayweather. But to train Oscar, it would have to be exclusively. I have a gym full of fighters and I just can’t turn my back on them like that. And the people who are saying that I tried to deliver Manny to Golden Boy Promotions – in order to become Oscar’s trainer – is an absolute LIE! I would NEVER do that to any of my fighters! Manny is still my main fighter and he’s my priority. All Richard and I did was talk about it a little bit, and that was some time ago. So for all I know, it could be a dead issue by now. But personally, I don’t think Oscar will get rid of Mayweather Sr., because if he did, it would have happened by now. With all the talks Richard and I had throughout the years, Mayweather is still the trainer. So I guess we all just have to wait and see.
Who do you think will win that fight? Oscar or Floyd? I’m leaning toward Oscar because of the size and the weight that they’re fighting at (154). I don’t think it’s a good fight for Mayweather, because he’s a little bit too small. But then again, Mayweather’s greatest asset is his speed! He’ll try to box Oscar, and he definitely won’t trade with him. It’s not going to be easy for Mayweather, that’s for sure. Mayweather might not be the most exciting guy in the world, but he’s undefeated and he’s probably one of the greatest boxers of our era. But I don’t think he’ll win this one.
It’s also being said that you will accompany Oscar to the Philippines (for the World Cup press conference) to discuss Manny’s promotional situation. Yeah, I heard that too. But that’s not true either! I’ve got three fighters on that March 4th card and I have to be here in the U.S. to train them. My fighters and I aren’t going over there until about 14 days before the fight. I don’t know how these rumors get started! I was supposed to shoot a commercial for San Miguel beer in the Philippines with Manny and Erik Morales next week, but that just got postponed. I haven’t been told when it’s going to be rescheduled. But it sounded like it would have been a lot of fun. I enjoy visiting the Philippines! The food, the people and the culture are great!
Another rumor circulating is that there is now a wedge between you and Manny over the Arum/Golden Boy promotional fiasco and the Oscar training offer. True or false? Absolutely false. I am still going to be Manny’s trainer, regardless of who he fights for. His choice of promoters, is just that. HIS choice. Not mine. When Manny asks me for my opinion, I will give him an honest answer. What he does with that information is up to him. As far as training Oscar – I have other fighters like Manny and James who are my priority. They are why I was unable to work with Oscar back then, and it’s why I can’t work with him now.
James Toney. Are you pleased with the conditioning results he achieved with Billy Blanks? Yes. I like his conditioning. James looks a lot better now. He’s more solid and muscular, and he’s moving a lot better. He’s been boxing ten rounds and not breathing heavy. James has been doing very well and I’m really confident in him for this fight. Obviously, Sam Peter is a very strong guy. But James will out box him… easily. You’ll see. James will handle this guy veerrry easily.
