Coach Freddie Roach, long-time trainer and father figure to Manny Pacquiao, recently offered his thoughts on how to deal with Antonio Margarito?s height and heft advantages over his ward and suggested how to exploit the Filipino?s strengths against the Mexican slugger.
Let me add some of my annotations to his already impressive and impeccable analysis.
Margarito is going to be aggressive and come (sic) after us and try (sic) to get our respect and he?s going to walk into Manny?s power and he?s going to feel it and it?s going to change the course of the fight ? Freddie Roach
Margarito will try to figure out Manny in the opening seconds of the first round and measure his jabs. Unfortunately for him, Manny will not allow him to set up his jabs. Manny will confuse Margarito with his left straights and right hooks while running circle around the ring.
I expect him to come out quick and try to get Pacquiao?s respect right away and he might run into one and don?t be surprised if this fight ends early – Roach
Not a good idea. With Manny, it is a nightmare if you will underestimate his power and speed. If Margarito comes straight right at Manny, he will be greeted flush to the face the way Ricky Hatton got to be introduced to the brute strength of the Filipino lefty.
I want Manny to show this guy that we mean business and get him off-balance because this guy?s footwork is terrible and it?ll show in the fight and we?re going to take full advantage of it – Roach
For as long as Manny stays at the center of the ring, his speed will keep Margarito guessing and gazing. No way can Margarito keep up with Manny?s pace and speed. That is why the corners and the ropes will be Margarito?s best friends come fight night. Margarito must be able to anticipate where Manny will be coming from and what direction he will be stepping back. Anticipating Manny?s footwork and blinding speed are keys to cutting the ring and prevent the Filipino from employing his in-and-out tactics.
Margarito is a decent body-puncher, (Margarito) telegraphs his punches and Manny will work on the counter shot when he is wide-open ? Roach
When Margarito drops low to reach Manny?s body, his face will be exposed to Manny?s left and right hooks. When he establishes an offensive pattern, he will be a sucker to Manny?s unpredictable but powerful offenses. When he waits for Manny to come, he won?t see the Filipino appear before his face and disappear like the wind.
We will beat him to the punch every time because he is very easily read ? Roach
Manny?s waterloo is a boxer that can beat him to the punch. But not just a punch. You must be able to beat him with combinations. You have to have the stinging hand speed to make the Filipino think twice about his aggressiveness. It is when you take Manny?s aggressiveness that you take away his advantage and ability to intimidate.
Many have ideas and plans on how to neutralize Manny atop the ring. But as Mike Tyson said, everybody has a plan until they get hit.
