Speaking at a recent media conference, Pacquiao head trainer Freddie Roach discusses his thoughts on the Juan Manuel Marquez rematch set for this Saturday in Las Vegas, Nevada.
?Manny is a much more complete fighter now, and he?s a lot stronger. Overall, he is a much better fighter (than he was at the time of the first fight). Marquez has changed his style a bit since then too. He is more offensive and comes at you throwing more punches. I hope he keeps doing that, because if he does it will make it that much easier for us. If he goes back (to his old style) we have a game plan for that too.?
?Manny?s in great shape and this is the most focused that I?ve ever seen him? I think you will see the best Manny Pacquiao yet in this fight.?
Manny Pacquiao?s head trainer Freddie Roach is a veteran of the fight game, and widely considered to be one of the top trainers in the sport of boxing. Since taking on Pacquiao as a young and hungry fighter many years ago, he has helped to guide him along a fast rising path that has seen Manny grow into one of boxing?s most dangerous and explosive fighters. Credited with improving Pacquiao?s technique and rounding his game, Freddie Roach has been more than a fixture in Pacquiao?s corner in recent years. He is an integral presence in team Pacquiao.
Last week, coach Roach spoke out about Pacquiao?s training camp and his thoughts on the Marquez rematch:
“In getting ready for this fight, I?ve never seen Manny more focused. We?ve put a lot of hard work in, and had great sparring partners. I think you will see the best Manny Pacquiao yet in this fight.?
?Manny is a much more complete fighter now, and he?s a lot stronger. Overall, he is a much better fighter (than he was at the time of the first fight). Marquez has changed his style a bit since then too. He is more offensive and comes at you throwing more punches. I hope he keeps doing that, because if he does it will make it that much easier for us. If he goes back (to his old style) we have a game plan for that too.?
?Manny told me he wanted to start training eight weeks before the fight. I thought that was great, and he showed up on time and we went to work. Manny knows how tough a fight this is and we?re taking it very seriously.?
?There have been no distractions in this camp whatsoever. Manny has been a great student and I think training for eight weeks was a great choice. Manny will be at his best, and that?s what it is going to take to beat this guy.?
?When we?re in the Philippines, Manny is so popular that everybody wants a piece of him. And Manny wants to be accommodating and available to everybody so it?s tough some times. Manny loves his country and they love him. In Los Angeles, there are less people trying to get a piece of him and we can really focus on the fight. That?s what we?ve done for this camp.?
?In closing I want to say that Manny?s in great shape and this is the most focused that I?ve ever seen him. Don?t miss this fight!?
