AMERICAN TRAINER Freddie Roach admitted recently that when Manny Pacquiao first showed up for training on May 17, he was a bit concerned as a string of much bigger fights are being lined up for the Filipino southpaw. Not anymore.
“I was a little bit worried on the first day,” Roach told boxingtalk.net. “But when Manny got back into the gym, he was the old Manny Pacquiao immediately. Manny is 100% in everything he does.”
Roach reiterated that despite the odds favoring Pacquiao, he is not taking Mexican Oscar Larios, who Pacquiao collides with on July 2 at the Araneta Coliseum, for granted.
“I think Oscar at 130 lbs will be a little bit stronger. I hear he is on a weight program,” said Roach, obviously aware that unlike in the past Larios, will not starve himself to death to make the weight limit.
Larios had difficulties making the 122-lb limit and since the bout with Pacquiao will be at 130 lbs, the Guadalajara native is expected to enter the scheduled 12-rounder armed to the teeth and in razor-sharp form.
“I am really happy where Manny is right now, and I will tell you this much, Oscar better be ready for this one,” boasted Roach, who has been the voice in Pacquiao’s corner since mid-2001.
Roach added that everything stops whenever Pacquiao strikes the heavy bag and even the mitts,
“This kid has bad intentions,” added Roach, who is expected to arrive in Manila with Pacquiao on June 20 to resume training at the Philippine version of the Wild Card on Presidents Ave. in BF Homes, Para?aque.
Should Pacquiao emerge unscathed against Larios, he will next face Erik Morales in October or November in Las Vegas in a megabuck rubber match.
Although Oct. 7 has already been announced as the target date, Roach said the venue and exact date will be finalized after the July 2 fight.
