Freddie Roach took a back-breaking 14-hour flight from Los Angeles to convince Manny Pacquiao to train in Los Angeles.
Moments after arriving with lawyer Nicholas Khan yesterday, Roach underscored the importance of training properly against Mexican Oscar Larios who Pacquiao will meet on July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum.
”There will be lots of distractions if Manny stays here. And it is necessary for Manny to train for a few weeks with me so he’ll have a strong base,” said Roach. “After that, we will go together to Baguio.”
Roach expressed apprehension why the fighter is hellbent in staying in Manila instead of working with him at the Wild Card Boxing Club.
The Larios fight is being seen as a buildup for the rubber match with Morales in late-October or early-November.
Roach is worried that Pacquiao won’t be able to train well and this is the reason why he did not have second thoughts leaving behind his responsibilities even for several days.
Said Roach: “I won’t be able to come until June because I have fighters in big fights in the next couple of months.”
Among those who Roach takes good care of in the gym include Filipino hotshots Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista and Z Gorres, who are fighting against separate foes on May 20 at the Staples Center.
Roach is seriously considering of sending someone from the Wild Card to the country in the event Pacquiao stays and in the process gave out a few details about a Plan B.
”I’ll see if Justin (Fortune) can go and be with Manny here,” said Roach.
