When I spoke with famed fight trainer Freddie Roach a few days ago, he made it pretty clear that he isn’t going to get into the middle of things when it comes to the negotiations. Roach is pretty much staying on the sidelines and waiting like the rest of us are. Negotiations are still ongoing, and it’s just a matter of time now and we all should know something either way.
When I asked Roach if there was any update that he could give us on the negotiations, he was quick to point out that he’s not involved, ” I am a boxing trainer, and it’s my job to get Manny Pacquiao ready for whoever they put in front of us. I hope that they can reach an agreement and put Mayweather in front of us, if not? Then we will be ready for whoever.”
Roach also talked about the historic implications of a Mayweather Vs. Pacquiao fight, ” It will be the biggest PPV even of any sport or concert ever. It will break all records, and that’s why we hope this happens. Bob Arum is good at what he does, and I have faith him, so we’ll see.”
Roach talked about Mayweather’s slowing movement and attributed that to Floyd getting a little older, ” Mayweather is hittable now, his legs are slowing, he can’t move like he used to. Shane was able to him, and if Shane hit him, Manny will hit him a lot more.”
It’s evident that Mr Arum executed some sort of gag order on Team Pacquiao, perhaps because the negotiations are going better than expected and he doesn’t want anyone saying anything that could jeopardize things.
Mississippi fans in Tunica, MS that attended the fights a few weeks ago are all hoping that the big fight will get done. I spoke with Jr middleweight prospect Shawn Porter, a former Pacquiao sparring partner about the Mayweather Vs. Pacquiao fight and he like most hopes that it gets done, “If they do fight it will be one of the biggest fights ever. Pacquiao has the most loyal fans in sports, his country loves him, and so do his people.”
Stan Nichols, President of USA Boxing’s Southern Association, and Chief of Officials for the state of Mississippi has his fingers crossed as well, ” I’m like most boxing fans, I want this fight to happen. It’s the two very best at their craft and one will come out on top.”
Freddie Roach is clearly staying out of the thick of things and like most, he’s just waiting. Roach continues to stay busy, adding Julio Cesar Chavez Jr to his stable.
Time will tell soon, will it be Pacquiao Vs. Mayweather? Right now it’s still Pacquiao Vs the ever so dangerous TBA.
