American trainer Freddie Roach yesterday threatened to pack his bags and leave for the US with Manny Pacquiao as Cebu fans continued to flock the Rex Wakee Salud gym and defy his “Off-Limits” policy.
Roach had been trying in vain to train Pacquiao in seclusion as the Filipino boxing icon primes up for his keenly awaited rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera on Oct. 6 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
But Pacquiao’s fans seemed unmindful of the importance of the Filipino idol training free from any distractions.
When interviewed by reporters yesterday, Roach said he is no longer happy with the way things are going, adding that if he would have his way, he would rather head back home with Pacquiao where they can train away from the wild crowd.
“It’s disappointing. I want Manny to have focus, but nobody’s helping me out,” said Roach. “If I have an opportunity, I would fly him home (to the US) because I know the Wild Card Gym is closed.”
Roach said Pacquiao lost his first fight with Erik Morales because of so many distractions and that he would not, in any way, let it happen again.
“I went through this once before in Wild Card. I let all people in. I thought it would be nice seeing he worked harder and it backfired on me. That’s why we lost in the first Morales fight,” said Roach.
“We’ve learned our mistakes, I don’t want it to happen again. I have nothing against the fans. Plain and simple, I just want Manny to focus on training for this fight,” said Roach.
Roach expressed concern on those who take video footages of Pacquiao’s sparring session.
“A lot of people get to see our gameplan and that’s not what we’re here to get ready for a fight. People keep on filming as if I don’t see them,” said Roach. “I’m not happy with the people and to Manny. He’s not really focusing on the fight. He’s focusing on the fans.”
Roach said he’s going to talk to Salud to shut down the gym completely starting today. Salud immediately convened all the guards in charge of letting the people in at his gym and instructed them to strictly enforce the “closed door policy.”
