Uncrowned world featherweight boxing champion Manny Pacquiao confirmed the other day he spoke to trainer Freddie Roach about the possibility of advising him on future contracts but never broached the idea of severing ties with US promoter Murad Muhammad.
“Hindi lang kami siguro nagkaintindihan,” said Pacquiao. “Wala naman akong balak na humiwalay kay Murad at least hanggang hindi mag-expire ang aming kontrata.”
When the contract expires on Jan. 31, 2005, Pacquiao said he will study whatever offers there are on the table.
Apparently, Roach thought Pacquiao was ready to part ways with Muhammad immediately and began a vilification campaign to discredit the promoter. Roach called Muhammad a thief and accused him of stealing purse money from Pacquiao in five US fights since the fighter wrested the International Boxing Federation (IBF) superbantamweight crown from Lehlo Ledwaba in Las Vegas two years ago.
