Prized boxing coach Freddie Roach said WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao will have to work on defense in preparing for his fight against heavy hitting Edwin Valero.
Roach said Valero, the reigning WBA super featherweight king, has “one punch knock out power” that is why they would have to put emphasis on defense.
“We have to worry about Valero’s punching power, he has one punch knockout power, and we respect that. We need to work on Manny’s defense a little bit,” Pacquiao coach was quoted in an interview by Boxing Herald?s Brad Cooney.
Roach said Pacquiao and Valero sparred a long time ago but the Filipino “handled him pretty good then.”
The Hall-of-Famer coach also cited a weakness in Valero?s style.
“Valero is not a real fast guy, so he’ll have trouble with Manny’s speed. He’s a heavy puncher, but he’s not so fast, so I think he will have some trouble with Manny,” Roach said.
He also preferred a longer training time with Pacquiao in preparing against Valero.
“Well, they are talking about the fight taking place for November. I would rather fight in December, and have a little more time,” said Roach.
On Ricky Hatton
Roach said that although he wanted his ward to face Hatton first, the fight would likely take place next year.
“I talked to Bob Arum yesterday, and he said that Ricky Hatton just won?t be available this time around. Hatton will be fighting Malignaggi, and Paulie won’t step aside for Manny,” he said.
In facing Hatton, Roach said Pacquiao would not have to bulk up to much, since the Filipino is getting a “little big stronger inside.”
“Well, we will probably have Manny come in at 138 lbs. I don’t think we will go all the way up to 140 lbs,” said Roach.
“I think his popularity and Manny’s popularity will equal a huge, huge PPV (pay-per-view) fight,” he added.
