Boxingtalk’s Kenny Nam recently caught up with world renowned trainer Freddie Roach to check in on some of his fighters. You don’t want to miss what he had to say about Manny Pacquiao and James Toney as both men prepare for their upcoming matches. Plus, Freddie talks about the possibility of a Karmazin-Ouma rematch, Kingsley Ikeke’s anticipated match with Sam Soliman, his prediction for Klistchko-Peter, and much more. Check it out.
Boxingtalk: How are you doing today Freddie?
Freddie: How are you?
BT: Now Manny’s fighting for the first time in LA, at Staples, how have you guys kept the distractions down for this training camp?
Freddie: The gyms pretty quiet now, we have closed training camp sessions and workouts and its going to remain that way till fight night.
BT: This fight obviously leads to Morales. What do you know about Velasquez and how has training camp been?
Freddie: Velasquez is a tough guy. Very durable guy. Looked good in his last fight, won the fight by knockout on a body shot. He’s someone we cant overlook. We have to respect him and hes going to come to fight the fight of his life. Manny’s getting there. We had a late start so we’re pushing him real hard and he’s responding well.
BT: How many rounds has he been sparring and who have been his sparring partners?
Freddie: 8 rounds yesterday. He sparred with Israel Vasquez and Hector Ramona.
BT: We have Vanes on the undercard too. How has he been looking in training camp and what do you know about his opponent?
Freddie: I dont know much about his opponent, but hes going to fight in Houston on the 26th first and then he’s going to be on the show. Viloria is on the show fighting for the world title. Brian is doing very well. And we also have Boom Boom Bautista from the Phillipines 118 pounder, 17-0. They’re all working hard and getting ready for the fight.
BT: James Toney finally found an opponent after his suspension was lifted. What happened to the fight with Byrd?
Freddie: I have no idea. I don’t get involved in negotiatons for his fights, I just train him so he’ll be here on Monday and start sparring and getting ready for the fight with Dominick Guinn.
BT: Last fight, James Toney’s weight was around 233. What would you like James to come in at?
Freddie: 200. But it’s not going to happen (laughter) James is James and he’ll weigh what he weighs.
BT: We have Kingsley Ikeke right here. What do you know about Ikeke-Soliman, will that fight happen?
Freddie: It’s definitely going to happen because it’s a mandatory and they have to fight each other, but we just dont have a date yet. That’s what we’re waiting on right now. I gave Kingsley the day off because I dont want him to burn out. He’s been working out every day, but we’ll spar a little tomorrow just to play around a little bit. We’ll definitely be ready when the time comes.
BT: Ouma was recently on Boxingtalk and he said that he would fight for free for a rematch with Roman Karmazin. How do you respond to that?
Freddie: Great, let’s do it. Roman fought a great fight that night and he showed he’s a better man. I think he’ll give him a rematch, but again Karmazin is in Russia right now taking it easy enjoying his win. I think when the dust settles, Ouma deserves a rematch because he said he was feeling a little sick that night so we’ll see. I dont see any reason why it wouldn’t happen again, but again, I’m not Karmazin’s main trainer. Boris is and his management will make the decision of the rematch. Karmazin he fought well.
BT: Klitschko-Peter recently signed for a fight what do you think of the fight?
Freddie: It’s a great fight. I think Klitschko’s going to knock Peter out.
BT: What round?
Freddie: 1. Well theyre both going to go after each other and Peter’s aggressive and Klitschko’s going to have to fight back and he can punch hard and we’ll see.
BT: Recently, Tysons been in the news for some accusations. What advice would you give to Mike Tyson, a good buddy of yours?
Freddie: The accusations, hopefully they stay that way and not come true. Of course I like Mike. His life is under a microscope and everything he does is going to be noticed. I hope they’re not true and I always hope the best for Mike. I think he should become a boxing analyst or be a broadcaster.
BT: Would you like Mike as a commentator/trainer type?
Freddie: I’d like to see him as a commentator. I don’t think Mike has the patience to be a trainer. Hopefully he’ll get his life in order.
