FEW can dispute that Manny Pacquiao?s form has declined over the last two years. Some harsher critics may argue it?s been sliding for the last four. One man, though, who has been in constant denial about the Filipino slipping from his peak is his long-time trainer, Freddie Roach.
If you?re looking for clues about a bad Pacquiao performance, don?t ask Freddie. We were not expecting the sub-par outings against Juan Manuel Marquez (a contentious points win and a knockout defeat), nor did we think Timothy Bradley had a chance of beating the multi-weight king in 2011, after Roach assured us his fighter was at the top of his game.
We shouldn?t criticise Freddie too much for that. He wouldn?t be one of the best trainers in the world if he didn?t publicly back his fighters.
But as Manny prepares for his crucial Las Vegas April 12 rematch with Bradley ? who stole Pacquiao?s WBO welterweight title via controversial decision ? perhaps we should take Roach?s latest praise with a pinch of salt.
?He [Pacquiao] was just brilliant in his sparring on Saturday,? Roach reported. ?His footwork was effortless, his hand speed was blazing and his power is as good as it?s ever been.?
Since his back-to-back losses to Bradley and Marquez, Pacquiao rebounded relatively impressively against Brandon Rios. But the unanimous 12-round victory did not fulfil Roach?s promises that Pacquiao was going to score his first stoppage since 2009.
Pacquiao should not be criticised too harshly for that either. After all, he is now 35, and like many greats of yesteryear, seems to be tailoring his style around the rigours of age.
But Roach insists the savagery that knocked out Ricky Hatton and pulverised Miguel Cotto, remains. In fact, it has always been there, Roach says, but it has not wanted to come out to play.
?We are training for big game in this fight,? Roach continued. ?Manny knows he is going to have to hunt Bradley down and close the show this time. The first fight with Bradley was so easy for Manny that after six rounds he just took it easy on him. Not this time. Our Mantra is ?Close the show. No mercy.? You don?t have don?t have to be a groundhog to know that Bradley?s days as welterweight champ are numbered.?
To be fair, Bradley was extremely fortunate to get the nod over Pacquiao in their opener. But no matter, controversial or not, it signalled that Manny could not go on forever. And Team Pacquiao claim they will give their final years in the sport all they?ve got.
?Manny is really motivated for this fight,? Roach said. ?We decided no matter how many fights we have remaining, we are determined to run the table and win every one. And when it is over it is going to be as world champion. And that can only happen with a total and absolute victory over Bradley.?
Bradley himself was criticised for their first bout. Few felt that he deserved the decision, and as a result, his success was derided. Like a loser might, the American was forced to offer excuses for his performance, and out came revelations of injured feet hampering his offence.
?Bradley says he fought Manny last time with two bad feet,? Roach said today. ?I don?t remember him coming into the ring in a wheelchair. He hurt his feet when Manny connected his power punches on him. Manny hit Bradley so hard it broke his ankles.?
Whatever the reason for Bradley?s injuries, his form since has been exceptional. Ruslan Provodnikov forced him into a hellacious slugfest that Timothy won, deservedly, on points and he exhibited discipline to match his guts when he outscored Marquez last year. And whatever your take on that first fight, it is hard to dispute that Bradley?s subsequent form has been better than Pacquiao?s.
Bradley, like many, has suggested that his rival is done.
But Roach, like always, believes his charge is better than ever.
?For Bradley to say ?Manny doesn?t have the hunger anymore and it?s never coming back? and ?Manny no longer has his killer instinct,? that tells me that Bradley is still suffering from the concussion Provodnikov laid on him.?
