It’s been said that Manny Pacquiao does not work for Freddie Roach no more; Freddie Roach works for Manny Pacquiao.
There was a time when Roach’s will was done in the Pacquiao camp. Those days have long been gone. From giving an inch, to giving up the whole arm, this trainer no longer calls the shots in this camp.
Would Pacquiao have kept everyone waiting as he watched the final minutes of the NBA Playoffs between his Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat if he was not only focused, but listened to Roach’s commands?
Would Pacquiao be training in Baguio and piss away a lot of training hours in favor of his Bible study if Roach called all the shots?
Would Alex Ariza still be lurking around the Pacquiao camp, trying to worm his way back in if Roach had the final say? So many questions, but the answers point to the same direction. This Pacquiao is no longer the boxer he used to be, and can never ever be again unless he rededicates himself to the sport. Physically, he can still be the same monster he was two and a half years a go when he destroyed Miguel Cotto. But as legendary Filiino boxer Gerry Penalosa told me, “boxing is 10% physical, 90% mental.”
And if Hall of Fame trainer Roach can’t even get Pacquiao’s fire back, an to respond in the proper manner champions should, then good luck in finding anyone else that can.
