MANILA, Philippines ? If only Freddie Roach has the authority to decide the date of Manny Pacquiao?s next fight, the future Hall of Fame trainer would like to see the Filipino star in action in early-May and not in mid-April as being planned by Top Rank.
?Manny?s coming from a very tough fight and April might be too soon,? said Roach on Friday from Las Vegas.
Although Pacquiao won via a lopsided decision over Antonio Margarito last month in Texas, the fighter complainedafterwards that it was his hardest fight owing to the huge weight advantage the Mexican had on fight night at Cowboys Stadium.
Still, Roach is expressing concern simply because he hasn?t seen and talked with his fighter since last month and ?if Manny says he?s okay (with the April date), I will help him get in shape.?
Top Rank big boss Bob Arum has penciled April 16, 2011 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas but has also reserved May 7 just in case Pacquiao opts for a later date.
The opponent and date of Pacquiao?s much-awaited ring return should be known by the end of next week as Arum, Roach and Pacquiao are going to finalize the terms during the boxer?s 32nd birthday bash on Dec. 17 in General Santos City.
Shane Mosley has the inside track among those being eyed, leaving Juan Manuel Marquez and Andre Berto as longshotsto land the Pacquiao jackpot.
Arum prefers Mosley over the two but makes it clear that it is Pacquiao who will call the shots on who to fight and when the fight is going to be staged.
Roach said he will discuss with Pacquiao the plan for training camp when he arrives here next week, adding that setting up in Baguio City for one month is an option.
