8CountNews sat down with boxing trainer and former fighter, Pepper Roach. Pep of course is the brother of world renowned boxing trainer Freddie Roach, and has been at Freddie’s side for years. Pepper has been in the house for all of Manny Pacquiao’s training camps from the very first day Manny walked into the Wild Card Gym. 8CN chatted for a few minutes with Pep and got his thoughts on the upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather fight. Here are his thoughts.
8CN – Pep, you’re a former fighter and a current trainer. Give me your thoughts on the upcoming Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight.
PR – Mayweather vs Pacquiao is going to be a huge fight. Both guys are multiple world champions. Pacquiao started out 106lb and Mayweather at 130lb, so Floyd is a little bit bigger. I am not knocking Mayweather, but he’s going to be in trouble with Pacquiao. Pacquiao is coming into this thing to win. He’s a completely different fighter now.
8CN – You have been in the camps with Freddie and Manny since the beginning. What do you think will be the difference in this camp as opposed to other camps?
PR – I don’t see a lot of difference. Believe this, Freddie is going to have a game-plan and he will have Manny ready. Manny will be ready, trust me.
8CN – What do you think is the most dangerous part of Mayweather’s game?
PR – It’s his speed. Mayweather is pretty damn quick. Pacquiao is quick too though, so it’s going to be a good fight. Pacquiao will be aggressive, that’s what I think.
8CN – What about Mayweather’s ability to time, and his counter-punching?
PR – Yea, he’s good but Pacquiao is pretty tough. I know he got knocked out a long time ago at 112lbs but that was a long time ago. I don’t think Mayweather can hurt Manny, I really don’t.
8CN – How do you think this fight is going to end?
PR – I don’t think either guy will knock each other out. I think Manny wins a decision, it will go the distance.
8CN – Training camp will be half and half again, 1st part in PI second in LA?
PR – Yup, same as last time.
8CN – Thanks for a few minutes Pep. Do you have any closing thoughts?
PR – Yep, Freddie Roach is the best trainer in the world. Keep punching!!
