Freddie Roach has been thinking about what he can do to add a little spark to Manny Pacquiao?s training camp, how he can make sure that the 40-year-old, eight-division world titlist can beat Keith Thurman when they meet on Fox PPV next month.
So, he pulled an item out of storage that he hasn?t strapped on in the past few years. It?s the large body protector that was so enjoyable to watch him wear whenever Pacquiao was featured in training camp highlights. Pacquiao would hit Roach in the stomach or on the liver, and the big body protector was supposed to keep the trainer unharmed. Roach hadn?t worn it in quite a while. Too hard on the body, he said.
On Wednesday, though, he dusted it off and put it on to let Pacquiao wale away.
?I brought back my chest protector today,? Roach told Forbes on Wednesday after he gave Pacquiao six rounds of mitt work. ?I gave it up for a couple of years because I was tired of peeing blood when I got hit. But I?m going to wear it again. I can bring out a better Manny Pacquiao.?
That?s one reason why Roach thinks Pacquiao (61-7-2, 39 KOs) will beat the undefeated Thurman (29-0, 22 KOs) when they meet on July 20 for Thurman?s welterweight title. Another reason why Pacquiao?who?s a slight +105 betting underdog and who will reportedly earn a $20 million payday?will be victorious in Roach?s eyes? The 30-year-old Thurman (a -135 favorite) is slowing down, while Pacquiao, a decade older, is still a fresh fighter.
?Thurman is definitely a good fighter, but you look at his last three fights,? Roach said. ?He?s faded a little bit. He?s not doing quite as well. I?m not sure if he?s bored of the sport or if he?s not putting the hours in. You study tapes on him, and you can see the gradual slowdown. Manny is really fresh right now and is on top of his game. I don?t care how many years older Pacquiao is than Thurman. That doesn?t matter.?
