LAS VEGAS ?Freddie Roach was right on target in predicting that Manny Pacquiao would stop David Diaz in nine rounds and was compelled to give a grade of A+ based on his fighter?s overpowering performance.
A few weeks ago, Roach told the Bulletin that it was not likely that Pacquiao would take out Diaz early since the fellow from Chicago is tough and durable.
On Saturday night, Roach made the correct forecast as Pacquiao halted Diaz in the ninth round after breaking him down with every conceivable punch allowed in boxing.
“This is Manny?s biggest performance of his life. He followed the game plan to a tee. We broke him down and at 135 lbs, Manny looked great,” said Roach. “At 135, Manny didn?t starve himself and he looked healthy unlike when he was at 130. This is a more natural weight for him.”
Roach, who assumed the role of chief trainer of Pacquiao in 2001, said the GenSan-bred lefty followed all the pointers that he issued during training and even during the fight itself.
“Diaz is a game guy but toughness alone doesn?t win fights,” he said.
“I have never given an A+ in my life because I am so critical but he (Pacquiao) did everything right,” said Roach, who nevertheless made mention that Pacquiao?s two knockout wins over Erik Morales also ranks up there.”
“They?re my favorites,” said Roach when asked whether the Diaz destruction was better than Pacquiao?s awesome annihilation of Morales twice in 2006.
Roach said there was no comparison since it came from different timelines.
Despite the one-sided dumping Diaz took from Pacquiao?s hands, Roach had kind words for the fallen champ.
“David Diaz is a class A fighter, he?s been to the Olympics, he?s won a world championship and he?s beaten some good fighters. He took a lot of shots tonight and had a lot of balls and I thought they, the corner should have stopped the fight two rounds.”
And if he were one of Diaz?s handlers, Roach said he would advise him to retire.
“But I think they should regroup and talk about his future right now. I would like to see him retire because he is a game guy and took a bad beating.”
“But I think David Diaz should take a six-month rest and then decide what to do with his career because right now it?s a bad time to make a choice. He needs a long rest and he doesn?t have to get back into the ring for a while, take a rest, spend some time with his family and make a solid decision after six months.”
