Boxingtalk.com got a brand new update from famed fight trainer Freddie Roach. Freddie updates us on Manny Pacquiao’s training camp as he prepares for the big trilogy fight against Erik Morales. Roach also touches on the possibility of Manny Pacquiao being a first time Hall of Famer, especially with another win over Erik Morales.
BT – What’s up Freddie ?
FR – Keeping busy with Manny Pacquiao, his camp is going good, he’s focused and we are working on some different moves. Manny is coming right along, he looks really good.
BT – Are you working on some additional offense with Manny ?
FR – Well mostly defense, Manny is very offensive minded. Manny will be more willing to box in this next fight though.
BT – Morales spent a lot of his camp making weight. Give me your thoughts on what kind of Erik Morales will show up when he steps into the ring with Manny .
FR – There is no doubt in my mind that this will be the best Morales so far. We will find out once and for all if he has one more good fight left him. If he doesn’t, he’s going to get knocked out.
BT – Erik said that he’s switching to the Reyes gloves…
FR -… (Cutting in) – he said that last time also but didn’t wear them, he can say that now but we’ll see if he does. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what type of gloves he wears, it doesn’t matter.
BT – If Manny wins this fight against Erik Morales, in your opinion where does that put Manny’s legacy status among the all time greats ?
FR – lb for lb Manny will be the best in the world. Manny beat Hall of Fame fighters in Morales, and Barrera both of which will be Hall of Famers’.
BT – Freddie Maca told me that Manny floored two sparring partners yesterday, is it getting tough for you to keep sparring partners in there ?
FR – We cycle them because they get worn out, and also Manny gets friendly with them once he gets to know them, and he starts taking it easy on them. Manny becomes friends with them, so we have to cycle them so he doesn’t let up on them.
BT – How is Manny’s mind-set so far Freddie, is he ok mentally and focused ?
FR – 100 percent focus, no problems and as far as Golden Boy and Bob Arum and all of that, he doesn’t speak about that, not until after the fight.
BT – How is Fres Oquendo doing in camp so far as he prepares for Evander Holyfield ?
FR – He’s coming along well, he’s going to be in Texas a week before me because I’ll be busy with Manny. Fres did great in sparring yesterday, and we are looking forward to the Holyfield fight.
BT – What type of Evander Holyfield are you preparing for ?
FR – Evander did pretty good in his last fight, he wasn’t fighting anybody special but his conditioning was good. One thing about Holyfield is that he’s always going to be a tough guy.
BT – James Toney and Sam Peter, it looks like they will fight again. What are your thoughts on that fight ?
FR – James is working on conditioning right now, and he told me that he will be in the 220’s, so if holds true to that, I feel he will do very well.
BT – What’s the latest with Brian Viloria ?
FR – Brian is working in a different gym now because I am very busy with Manny Pacquiao. I feel that Brian will recapture the title if he throws his hand the way I know he can throw his fans.
BT – Freddie for the record, is Brian Viloria gone for good ? or is this just a temporary move on his part ?
FR – Well I am not sure because if he wins with those people, maybe that’s the better way to go. I wish him the best though.
BT – Peter Manfredo vs Calzaghe rumors ?
FR – We are thinking about taking a tune up fight against Omar Sheika, but as far as Calzaghe goes it’s definitely something we are trying to put together for Peter.
BT – Freddie for my Philippine readers, give us an update on Bobby Pacquiao, and Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista.
FR – Boom Boom is all healed up, we had some really good sparring with Rey today. Bobby did very well as well, he sparred 8 rounds, both guys are getting ready for their fights. Bobby has Velasquez on the 16th, we know it’s going to be a tough fight but we’ll be ready.
BT – Closing thoughts for the Boxingtalk fans Freddie.
FR – Thanks for all of your support, and we look forward to having a great year.
