TRAINER FREDDIE Roach admitted yesterday that Mexican Hector Velazquez boasts of an iron chin and is a bodypuncher but nevertheless expressed high hopes that Filipino star Manny Pacquiao will emerge triumphant in their scheduled 12-rounder on Sept. 10 in Los Angeles.
“He (Velazquez) is pretty durable and likes to hit the body,” Roach told the Bulletin from the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood, California. “But Manny should be able to take care of him.”
“He (Velazquez) is going to give Manny a few rounds,” said Roach, who is keenly awaiting the arrival of Pacquiao on Monday night (Tuesday morning in Manila).
Roach said he watched Velazquez’s last fight, a knockout victory over the faded Trinidad Mendoza, and remains upbeat that Pacquiao has what it takes to take the sting out of the rugged slugger from Tijuana.
Roach, who took Pacquiao under his wings in mid-2001, said the Wild Card will be closed to the public whenever Pacquiao is in the house.
“Unlike before when everyone just walked inside the gym. This time, its’ going to be different,” stressed Roach, referring to the time several months ago when Pacquiao’s supporters turned the famed sweatshop on Vine St. as a picnic ground.
“Nobody, I mean nobody will be allowed to get in from 1 to 3 p.m.,” added Roach.
Pacquiao’s US-based aide-de-camp Joe Ramos said the fighter’s first-class ticket is ready to be picked up.
“I told Manny’s wife Jinkee that his ticket is ready for pickup. He can even get it at the airport,” said Ramos from Los Angeles.
Pacquiao flew to his hometown of General Santos City yesterday and should be back in Manila today or tomorrow. He has been booked to fly Philippine Airlines at 10 p.m. tomorrow.
