As I attempted to ?cover? the Oscar De la Hoya-Floyd Mayweather Jr. press conference in San Francisco, I was able to secure a quick interview with the true ?Professor? of boxing, Freddie Roach.
Freddie is a true gentleman as he dealt with various garbage ?reporters? asking him nonsensical, irrelevant material. I had the pleasure of being broken in as a ?reporter type? as I respectfully asked Freddie for an interview. Just as I was about to start filming, some zombie-looking woman cut in and shoved an audio recorder in Freddie?s face and proceeded to ask some of the dumbest questions I?ve ever heard of.
?Freddie, so were will training camp take place?? I thought to myself, Puerto Rico you stupid monkey. Everybody with half a brain knows that.
?Freddie, what does this fight mean to you?? It?s a big fight you idiot, what do you expect him to say? ?This fight is not too bad??
Why don’t you ask him if Oscar will be wearing gloves, shoes, and socks as well. Better yet, ask him what type of hair style Oscar will sport into the ring.
As the zombie finished up her ?interview?, I waited patiently feeling as though security was going to usher the ?Professor? away killing any sort of hope I had for a quick sound-bite. As I stood around, I just waited for Freddie to notice me and once again and he did. Although he looked rather exhausted from all the touring from city to city, he graciously accepted my interview and I thank him for that.
The thing that excited this gambling junkie is that Mr. Roach stated that he?d be betting on Oscar. It?s a well known fact that Freddie rarely makes any wagers on boxing. However, when he decides to plunk down some money on a fight, he?s been pretty much spot on in recent years. The picks that stuck out in my mind was the Manny Pacquiao over Marco Antonio Barrera choice as well as the Winky Wright over Felix Trinidad lock. Folks, if there?s anybody in the world that I?d blindly let manage my money when it comes to betting on boxing, it?s Freddie Roach. Here goes nothing?
PS. In another HORRIFIC display of mainstream ineptness, as Oscar was being ushered to the exit by security, Freddie was walking behind him. One of the security guards stepped in front of Freddie stating that he’d have to stay put. I shouted, “That’s Freddie Roach fool!” In an even more disturbing display of a complete lack of social etiquette, the same security guard then proceeds to ask Freddie for a picture. Can you believe this guy? As always, Mr. Roach was gracious and patient as he proceeded to take a picture with a guy who has no clue as to the contributions that the great trainer has made to the sport. Thank goodness it wasn’t Floyd Sr. that was asked to stay put. Mr. Security Guard would have had some brrrrrrrrrt to deal with!
