Boxingtalk just caught up with 2003 trainer of the year Freddie Roach, who provides us with an in depth update on his entire stable. James Toney, Manny Pacquaio, Brian Viloria, and Mike Tyson updates are just a click away. You don’t want to miss what Roach has to say about the Manny Pacquaio-Murad Muhammad lawsuit, the James Toney steroid issue, and more.
BT – Freddie, once again I thank you very much for carving out some time to talk to Boxingtalk.
FR – Brad, anytime.
BT – Freddie, let’s start off with James Toney, what are your thoughts on this whole steroid issue, and what is next for James?
FR – Well, obviously it’s disappointing winning the Heavyweight Championship, and then having it taken away. I don’t believe that James was on steroids for that fight, I don’t know if it may have been something in his system from the surgery he had, or something with the bicep tear. But, the bottom line is that he did test positive, and we will move on. We are looking for another title fight, maybe with Klitschko, we also talked about Byrd. The situation was disappointing, but it’s part of life, and we move on from here.
BT – Freddie is Klitschko your priority for James?
FR – Yea definitely, Klitschko is the most recognizable heavyweight in the world today, and I think we want to go right for him, yes.
BT – Freddie, let’s move on to Manny Pacquaio. Talk about the lawsuit situation with Pac, and Muhammad, and talk about Manny’s intentions for his next fight.
FR – I just got out of court with Manny, and we did very well. They settled this thing out of court, but honestly I wish it would have went to the jury. I know we would have won that way as well, but they settled because the evidence was all there. Manny’s case was proven in court, and Muhammad had to give Pac an undisclosed amount of money, and he had to release him from his contract. So, now we are free agents and we are looking forward to an HBO fight on Sept 10th, and then a possible rematch with Morales after that. There is a possibility that both Pac, and Morales will be on the same card in December against Carlos Hernandez, and Chavez, and then the winners will face each other in March.
BT – Freddie, talk about a rematch with Pacquaio in Morales more, what are your thoughts on this fight when it happens?
FR – Brad, I know Manny can fight a better fight next time against Morales. There was alot of stuff going on with Manny prior to his last fight with Morales, I mean there were room ticket problems, Manny ended up sharing a room with three other people on the eve of his world title fight against Morales. Muhammad took Manny’s suite on the night before the fight! Then the glove issue with us having to wear pillows, so I think next time out it will be a whole different scenario against Morales.
BT – Freddie, let me get this right… you are saying that Muhammad grabbed Manny Pacquaio’s hotel suite on the eve of his world title match with Morales?
FR – He checked in the day before Manny, and took his suite and then made this comment ” Oh Manny doesn’t care “. He ended up giving Manny a one bed room that Manny ended up sharing with three of his countrymen, there were people sleeping on the floor! . I mean there was alot of confusion going on that night.
BT – Freddie, I am by far no expert within the boxing training world, but even I can feel safe to say that a good night sleep is pretty important on the eve of a world title match.
FR – You know, the thing is, going into a world title fight having to share a room with 3 other people is a big deal, I mean it actually is. I mean you got three guys living with you waking you up, coming in and out, in and out, it’s bullshit. He was also supposed to get 8 ringside tickets, and they made him pay for it, Muhammad took it out of his paycheck! But you know what, it all washed out in court, and we are just happy to be out of that bullshit. Shelly Finkel is on board now, and Shelly will have Pac’s better interest at heart.
BT – Freddie, how much do you think Manny not being from this country had to do with his contract with Muhammad being so ridicolus?
FR – The thing is with Manny, is he’s pretty naive. I mean the kid can’t read English so he trusted Rod Nazario on these types of things, and that was an even bigger disappointment than Muhammad. I mean Rod Nazario is a countrymen of his, and then you have Muhammad, and both of them were ripping the kid off.
BT – Freddie, any mention on the location of Manny’s fight in September?
FR – They are talking about that fight taking place at The Staple Center, it would be a tune up fight for Manny. I mean I don’t think he needs to fight a killer every time out, but HBO never gives you something too easy (laughing). The rematch that they are talking about with Manny Pac and Morales would probably take place in Las Vegas, because of how well it did there last time.
BT – Freddie, who does Manny want the most out of all, is he hungry for a rematch with Erik Morales?
FR – We had this discussion not too long ago, and Manny and I talked about his best fighting weight. I believe his best fighting weight is 126 pounds, and everyone agreed with that, BUT.. Manny told me ” Freddie, I want to fight at 130 because I want Morales. Manny Pacquaio definitely wants Morales and he will stay at 130 for that reason alone, and he would love to get Barerra back in the ring as well because he is making up excuses of how and why he lost, so we want to shut that book up also.
BT – Freddie, let’s talk Mike Tyson.
FR – You know I feel bad for Mike, I really like Mike because he’s a great guy, and a good friend of mine. I am a little disappointed he had to go out like that, but it was his time. You know if you do this sport for long enough, and I did it for a long time also, anything in life can get boring if you do it long enough. Mike doesn’t’t have the motivation to do it anymore. Just like the end of my career, I just didn’t’t feel like putting in what needed to be put in. Mike just seemed to be going through the motions, I hope he stays retired, it’s just not there for him anymore. I feel bad for Mike, but the thing is he is still a huge public figure, and draws big crowds.
BT – Freddie, do you see Mike still fighting?
FR – Brad, the thing is, he is going to have to make money some way and I guess that’s a way he can. You know, I actually believe that Mike should go into broadcasting. There is nobody in this room that knows more about boxing than Mike Tyson, I think he would be very good for TV because of his knowledge of the sport, but I don’t know if he’s ready to make that kind of transition yet.
BT – Freddie, Mike Tyson for those who do not know, is a boxing historian.
FR – Oh Jesus, yes. Tyson knows the fight game more than anyone in the game in my opinon. To be honest with you, if I had to pick someone to be my boxing trivia partner, it’s Mike Tyson.
BT – Freddie, what are your thoughts on Brian Viloria’s last fight, and the unfortunate injury that his opponent was dealt.
FR – Well, it’s one of those things that unfortunately from time to time happens in boxing. Brian is getting ready for his first world title fight, but he is getting tired of everyone asking him “How do you feel, how do you feel” ? He’s ok though, he just wants to move on. It is very unfortunate that these things do happen though.
BT – Let’s talk Israel Vasquez Freddie, is he ready for Tapia?
FR – Yea, we are definitely getting ready for our fight with Johnny Tapia. Tapia is a crafty veteran that has been there before, and he is coming in at 122 so he will be in much better shape this time around. We will have to put alot of pressure on Johnny, and go to his body and try to get him worn down.
BT – Freddie what about Bobby Pacquiao, he is coming off of victory as well, talk about that.
FR – Yea, Bobby showed alot of heart, he looked really good. Bobby caught him, and I think it may open some doors for him. Hopefully we can get Bobby Pacquaio on Manny’s next fight on the undercard.
BT – Oh, so you are looking to put the Pacquaio brothers on the same fight card?
FR – Yea possibly as long as it doesn’t distract Manny. We will take a look at the possibility, and cross that bridge when we get to it.
BT – Freddie, what’s the deal with Lucia Rijker? what’s she doing throwing down with your trainer at the Wild Card (laughing)?
FR – She had an argument with one of my trainers, I will tell you this if I was there it wouldn’t have happened. No big deal, nothing much to make of it, nobody got hurt. I got a call from Lucia last night, and she should be back in the gym tonight.
BT – Freddie, I am interested to get your thoughts on the boxing clinic that was demonstrated by “Pretty Boy” Floyd against Gatti the other night.
FR – You know, people say they don’t like Mayweather but you know what? Every time I see Floyd in person it’s always “Mr Roach this, and Mr Roach that” from the guy. Floyd has always been a gentleman to me. I can only say this, this kid put on an absolute clinic against Arturro Gatti. To me, he is pound for pound the best fighter in the world today. He is just a very talented guy, and there is nobody out there right now that can beat him. I heard he is talking about 147 to fight Oscar, that might be a tough fight for Oscar (laughing) I am telling you, this guy is unbelievable. Also, Floyd was very humble after the fight, and being that way can only help the kid. I think he’s on the right course, and there are some great fights out there for him.
BT – Freddie, as always Boxingtalk really appreciates your candid answers, and we thank you for your time.
FR – Brad thank you for talking to me.
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