HOT POTATO via MGM Grand, LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Even Freddie Roach, award-winning trainer of WBO Manny Pacquiao, really had no idea how to beat the 38-year Mexican fighter, Juan Manuel Marquez.
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Just when I review my two-hour taped interviews with some key figures status-post fight of Pacquiao-Marquez III last Saturday night, Roach confesses saying, “I wasn’t sure who won the fight not until Manny (Pacquiao) was declared as winner by majority decision.”
Asked if he agrees with Pacquiao who claims he clearly won the fight as declared by the board of judges, Roach says: “No, I don’t think he clearly won the fight. It was a very close fight.”
Roach continues: “Marquez surprised me a lot. I thought Manny (Pacquiao) will knock him out in one of the early rounds. But, it did not happen. Marquez is a great and a very intelligent fighter. He’s stronger and faster than I thought this time. I will never underestimate Marquez again.” Advertisement
But, Pacquiao insists: “I understand we have to accept the (results) of the fight. But, just watch the fight again in the replay. I know I clearly won the fight.” Pacquiao adds.
During foruth and fifth rounds and also seventh in which Pacquiao was seemed a bit confused and not catching up Marquez may have been that Pacquiao was all by himself solving the pieces. Roach seemed had no idea how to beat the 38-year old Marquez.
Roach, who predicted a knockout win by Pacquiao within six rounds, now prefers Pacquiao to fight Mayweather, Jr. instead of opting for a fourth encounter with Marquez.
Stay tuned for more!
