Boxingtalk just sat down with famed fight trainer, Freddie Roach and discussed Manny Pacquiao’s performance against Oscar Larios. Roach makes it clear that they will take a little time off, and then turn their sights on Mexican legend Erik Morales, for Pacquiao vs Morales 3. Freddie also updates us on James Toney’s upcoming fight against Samuel Peter, and breaks news right her on Boxingtalk! Israel Vasquez and Johnny Gonazles have just about wrapped up negotiations to fight each other in the very near future. Boxingtalk welcomes Freddie Roach!
BT – Freddie what are your thoughts on Manny Pacquiao’s performance against Oscar Larios ?
FR – Well Brad, I wasn’t thrilled with the first 5 rounds, but I was really happy with the second half of the fight. I think Manny pretty much put on a show the first 5 rounds for his fans, so I had to light a fire under him. The 6th round on, Manny started banging the body, and he started putting together the combinations that I needed him to do, and he dominated the fight from there.
BT – Freddie were you a little bit surprised by Oscar Larios, he hurt Manny in that 3rd round ?
FR – Oscar came to win, and he was strong at 130lbs, he hit Manny with a hook. That hook woke Manny up a little bit, and when Manny came back to the corner, I yelled at him a little bit, I told him don’t get on the ropes with this guy. Manny didn’t let that happen again, he knew he made a mistake. Oscar gave Manny a little bit of a scare, but I think Manny came back and won that round actually.
BT – Oscar went 12 rounds with Manny, do you see that as Oscar just being tougher than you thought, or Manny having some distractions ?
FR – Well I want to give Larios credit, he trained hard, and came to the fight in great shape. Oscar may have been weaker at the lighter weight, and stronger at 130lbs, he’s just a game, and tough Mexican fighter.
BT – Freddie tell us about your experience in The Philippines, you’re very much loved over there.
FR – It’s like being a Super-Star over there (laughing). It was unbelievable over there, wherever I went, they call me Coach Freddie. I guess I am going to have to change my name to Coach Freddie (laughs). Every place I went, people wanted pictures, and autographs, it was actually hard to leave there. The people treated me like a star over there, I was on children’s shows, sports shows, radio shows, it was unbelievable. The people in The Philippines are great, we had a great time over there. Our down time was great, every place we went it was meeting and greeting the fans, I had a hell of a time.
BT – Freddie can you give us an update on the health of Rey Bautista ?
FR – Rey is doing fine, he has a big fight coming up on the Barrera vs Rocky Juarez card. Rey wanted to fight in The Philippines after he got out of the hospital, but we had to make a wise decision to let him rest, and get well. I think Rey Bautista is going to be the next star out of The Phillipines.
BT – It won’t be too long, and you will start preparing Manny Pacquiao for Erik Morales. Freddie normally you are a very quiet, kind, and calm guy, but it seems Erik Morales has tweaked your nerves as of late, give me your thoughts on that.
FR – The thing about Erik Morales is that he is going to bring it. The third fight with Erik Morales will be our toughest fight yet, I know that. Erik is going to bring everything to the table, he wants revenge, and I do to. Erik wants revenge, but it’s rumored that he is heavy and out of shape. Erik is going to do everything possible to take this third fight, and you know what? We are going to do everything possible to take this third fight too. Manny is going to come here 10 weeks before the fight to get ready for this. We are not going to rush anything, we will take our time and start slowly, and build a base. Six weeks before the fight we will hit everything hard, and Manny will be in the best shape that he has EVER been in for a fight, because you know what? Manny is going to have to be in the best shape of his life for this fight. This is going to be the toughest fight of Manny’s life.
BT – Freddie so the entire training camp will take place in The States, correct ?
FR – Yes, we may go to Vegas a little earlier than normal, but we will stay in the U.S.A for this one. We know this is a tough fight, I will get new sparring partners for Manny, and I am not talking about just regular sparring partners, I am looking for contenders that are willing to give us some good hard work.
BT – Freddie sounds like you mean real business with this next fight with Morales.
FR – Well we don’t want anyone who is washed up for Manny’s sparring, only the best. If you are a contender, and you want to help us get Manny ready for Morales, give me a call!
BT – There it is folks, Freddie Roach just put out a call here on Boxingtalk for sparring partners for Manny Pacquiao. Freddie James Toney will fight Samuel Peter, talk about that fight.
FR – Obviously a tough fight for James, Peter is a big puncher. Hopefully James will get in good shape for this fight, and hopefully he has already started training with his group. It’s a good fight for James, and I don’t think Peter is at his level yet, but he can punch. I really thought James would go after the winner of the Rahman vs Maskaev fight, but I guess he just wants to stay as busy as possible. I want to see James get in the best shape as he
can.
BT – Freddie, what’s the latest with Brian Viloria’s opponent ?
FR – Well I am still waiting to hear, because when I left we were still debating opponents. I am not sure where we are yet, because I just got home. I will find out today or tomorrow about Brian’s opponent.
BT – Freddie you got some news for Boxingtalk concerning Israel Vasquez ?
FR – Israel is going to fight Johnny Gonzales, so we are getting ready for him. It’s not a done deal yet, but it’s very close to a done deal.
BT – Freddie always a pleasure having you on board, thank you very much.
FR – Anytime Brad.
