Noted trainer Freddie Roach said Manny Pacquiao should stay in the 130-lb division where the big fights are although he would let the Filipino boxing icon test the waters in the 135-lb category but for just one bout.
Contrary to perceptions, Roach sees no problem for Pacquiao continuing to fight in the super featherweight class although he encountered a weight problem in his most recent fight against Marco Antonio Barrera, whom he nevertheless outclassed in a one-sided rematch in Las Vegas last weekend.
Pacquiao had to shed off two pounds on the eve of the weigh-in to make the 130-lb limit where he skipped ropes, wrapped himself in a thick blanket and took in nothing.
Roach said Pacquiao has nothing but himself to blame. ?He was checking his weight on his own scale and not on the official one. When he got to Los Angeles, he had a little bit of trouble maintaining his weight, so he had to do some bike work for a little while, and he took off the weight.?
But Roach maintained that he sees no problem for Pacquiao staying put in the 130-lb weight class.
?The thing is we can make 130-lb. I see no problem. There are a lot of big fights at 130, the winner of the Marquez-Juarez fight, the winner of the Soto-Guzman fight. There are a lot of good fights at 130 lbs,? said Roach in an interview with Boxingtalk.com.
Pacquiao has earlier said that he is seriously considering moving up to the 135-lb division and take a crack at David Diaz? lightweight crown.
?The 135-lb weight class isn?t as attractive, so we?ll think about it,? said Roach. ?Maybe for one fight.?
But Roach stressed that if ever Pacquiao gets to fight in the 135-lb class, it would have to be a title fight.
?You?ve got David Diaz, Joel Casamayor and so forth. I guess whoever brings the most money to the table. Manny said that he would like to win the title at 135 lbs and then go back down to 130 lbs. We?ll talk to Bob Arum, and Oscar De La Hoya in the future, and we?ll figure it out then,? said Roach.
