LOS ANGELES — It was back to the Wild Card Boxing Club for Freddie Roach on Monday and the revered cornerman spoke for the first time about what he thought of Manny Pacquiao’s recent fight.
Roach did not mince any words when asked about his impression on Pacquiao’s sixth-round technical knockout win over Hector Velazquez at the Staples Center.
“I give him a seven (out of ten),” said Roach, who nevertheless expressed satisfaction over the outcome of Pacquiao’s dramatic victory over his foe from Tijuana, Mexico.
“It’s a seven because he (Pacquiao) did not start out well,” said Roach, referring to the Filipino’s uncharacteristic slow start.
Roach said Pacquiao should better prepare well if the rematch with Erik Morales takes place on Jan. 21 next year in Las Vegas.
“He (Pacquiao) has to start training early and we plan to train in the Philippines for two weeks and bring him over here for another six weeks,” said the former featherweight contender best known for his never-say-die attitude atop the ring.
Roach said the training center where Mike Tyson used to work out for weeks is being eyed, although another one at scenic Santa Barbara, a few hours from here, is also being considered.
Despite losing to Zahir Raheem in the main event, Morales, according to Roach, is expected to come into the Pacquiao rematch armed to the teeth.
Roach said “Morales did not train well for this fight and they (Morales) may have underestimated Raheem.”
But Roach warns that Morales is known for putting up a good showing coming off a loss as evidenced by his fine performance against Pacquiao last March in Las Vegas. Going into the Pacquiao bout, Morales had been dealt a narrow points loss by Marco Antonio Barrera four months earlier.
As for Morales’ problem making weight, Roach said the Mexican can make the 130-lb limit.
Roach said Morales didn’t just train hard for the Raheem fight.
“He’d be ready for the rematch and Manny better be ready, too,” added Roach.
Morales had said he is willing to give Pacquiao a rematch after hearing that the Filipino’s camp is looking forward to knocking the Mexican’s head off.
