8CN sat down with the 2nd most famous man in The Philippines, Freddie Roach, and got his thoughts on what will go down as one of the greatest upsets in boxing’s history. Roach touches on Manny’s performance, Ricky Hatton, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Oscar’s and retirement, and much, much more. Only at the 8!
8CN ? Freddie, congratulations on an absolutely brilliant performance by Manny and the entire Team.
Freddie Roach ? Thank you very much Brad, I appreciate it.
8CN ? Freddie were you surprised with just how much Manny dominated Oscar De La Hoya?
Freddie Roach ? You know I thought the fight would be a little bit tougher, but after the first round I was very comfortable. I knew Manny’s speed would be too much for Oscar.
8CN ? What was going through your mind as you were watching the rounds go by and as you watched this tornado just working on this masterful performance?
Freddie Roach ? We just worked on the game-plan, and we took the jab away from Oscar, and when Oscar threw his jab we just stepped outside and landed the straight left hand, and then the right hook started landing. I just wanted to keep Manny focused. I had to make an adjustment when Manny got on the ropes one time, I told him to use his speed, and don’t get on the ropes. I just had to make little adjustments, and in the last round I told him, ?Manny it’s time to do your job, let’s knock this guy out,? and we did it.
8CN ? Did you ever think that the legendary Oscar De La Hoya would quit on his stool?
Freddie Roach ? I knew that he couldn’t keep up with us, and I knew his face would break up. I do think so, yes, I thought that would happen, yes.
8CN ? Were you surprised by how little Oscar weighed come fight time?
Freddie Roach ? The thing is, he shrunk up his stomach so small that he couldn’t get any food in him. I knew that at that low weigh,t after 3 rounds that he would be done. We just looked at that, and I told Manny that we will get him in the later rounds.
8CN ? You guys almost had a look as if the cat ate the canary before the fight even started. What was it that you guys knew before the fight even started that nobody else knew?
Freddie Roach ? Well 19 out of 20 journalist picked Oscar to win this fight, and I love being the underdog before a fight. Manny actually was able to eat breakfast before his weigh in the day before the fight. Three pounds doesn’t win the fight, Manny Pacquiao is going to win the fight, that’s what I told people.
8CN ? Talk about the hand wrap situation.
Freddie Roach ? Well the commission did agree with me that the ridges were too high, so we were able to get that part fixed, and got it cut in half. I showed Manny how Oscar wraps his hands, and we tried it the same way. I told Manny to let me know if he didn’t like how it felt, but he said it was fine. We wrapped Manny’s hands the same way Oscar wrapped his.
8CN ? Obviously Manny is happy, but did you guys have a chance to talk in private after the fight?
Freddie Roach ? No, it’s been crazy so I haven’t been able to talk to him. I just want him to enjoy the win. I get asked now,’who’s next, who’s next?’, and I say, ?Who cares?? (laughs) I just want him to enjoy this one. We weren’t supposed to win this one, so we’ll just enjoy this one for now. Obviously there is Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr out there, and Ricky is the leading guy right now because Floyd has not come back yet. There are other possibilities, and people are actually asking ‘What about Margarito?’ Look I am a brave guy, but I am not stupid, so that’s not going to happen.
8CN ? If Floyd starts making noise tomorrow saying that he wants Pacquiao, what does that do, in your opinion to the Ricky Hatton possibilities?
Freddie Roach ? Well I think the Ricky Hatton fight is a bigger fight actually. I think Hatton would be the bigger draw. I think Hatton does a better PPV, and I think it’s a better fight style wise, and it’s better for the fans. One thing about Floyd, he wants all of the money, so the negotiations would be difficult. So whatever makes more sense, and we’ll go in that direction.
8CN ? What would be the optimal venue for a Ricky Hatton vs Manny Pacquiao fight?
Freddie Roach ? They are talking about London, but as far as PPV goes, it would make more sense here in America. We’ll go to England though, we don’t care. Whatever makes the most sense, and we’ll do it.
8CN ? Did Manny fight almost the perfect fight? Do you think the only mistake that he made was when he got on the ropes?
Freddie Roach ? Yea, maybe (laughs) he fought a good fight. He got hit with a jab a couple of times, but the same way with David Diaz, it was almost the perfect fight.
8CN ? There was a lot of back and forth talk between you and Oscar. I saw a very humble Oscar De La Hoya during the post fight interview. He was very respectful to Manny, and I heard that he was respectful to you too. Can you elaborate on what he said to you?
Freddie Roach ? He just said, ?no hard feelings? and I asked him if he was ok, and he said, ?Freddie I am ok, I just don’t have it anymore.?
8CN ? How much of this back and forth between you and Oscar was personal and how much was business?
Freddie Roach ? It was all business. I like Oscar as a person, he’s a great guy. I just have to protect my fighters, that’s what I am supposed to do.
8CN ? Do you think we have seen the last of Oscar De La Hoya in the ring?
Freddie Roach ? I think so, he has nothing more to prove. He’s had a great career, and he’s done so much for the sport of boxing. I think he will just be a good promoter, and he will enjoy his family, and he will enjoy his life.
8CN ? Was this fight the most fun that you have had as a trainer?
Freddie Roach ? Yea, I did talk some shit. That’s not my normal self, but yea we had fun.
8CN ? So Manny gets some time off with his baby coming and Christmas, right?
Freddie Roach ? Yes, he gets a Christmas break and his baby will be coming soon. He will take a break and enjoy himself for awhile.
8CN ? Do you have any closing thoughts Freddie?
Freddie Roach ? I just want to thank everybody for your support. I am sorry for those of you who lost money (laughing) I can’t wait to see you next time. Thank you very much.
