The quiet, bespectacled man present in two of boxing’s most elite fighters corners does not look like he should be part of the fight game. Unassuming and slight, Freddy Roach is hardly an imposing figure. However, superstars James Toney and Manny Pacquiao would almost certainly not be where they are if it were not for him.
The former fighter is regarded as one of the finest trainers in the world, and voted the best of the 2006 by the readers of SecondsOut (Roach also won trainer of the year in 2003).
Learning his craft from the legendary Eddie Futch, Roach is from the old school and has the ultimate respect of his fighters. In the past, he has worked the corners of fighters such as Johnny Tapia, Lucia Rijker, Michael Moorer and Mike Tyson. His resume is exemplary, and it continues to grow.
Operating out of the famous ‘Wild Card’ Gym in Hollywood, California, Roach has taken the Filipino megastar Manny Pacquiao to two spectacular victories over the legendary Erik Morales this year. Coupled with a dominant performance over highly regarded Oscar Larios, Roach has again earned the respect of the boxing community. ‘El Terrible’ was given the beatings of his life, being stopped twice by the vastly improved ‘Pac Man’.
Although James Toney only managed a draw and a loss this year, his performances were still impressive enough for most to consider the former 160lber one of the top heavyweights in the world. Toney turned up out of shape for WBC champion Hasim Rahman, and still managed to hold him to a draw. He then went in against mammoth puncher Sam Peter, out boxing him for most of the fight for it to be only to be given to the Nigerian on a debatable decision. Roach has kept him on the straight and narrow (for the most part), and it is a testament to his skills as a trainer that Toney is still around and competing with the best.
Also under Roaches wing, ‘The Contender’ star Peter Manfredo Jr has flourished, blitzing Scott Pemeberton and Joe Spina in two dominant performances, WBC super bantam weight champion Israel Vasquez won both fights this year, knocking out Johnny Gonzalez and decisioning Ivan Hernandez. The exciting 154lb prospect Vanes Martirosyan has also beaten all five opponents put in front of him.
In the Philippines with Manny Pacquaio, Roach was unavailable for comment, but SecondsOut spoke with his assistant, and fellow Wild Card trainer Macka Foley.
“Freddie was always in the spotlight, from turning pro in the spotlight, he became a trainer in the spotlight”, says Foley of Roach. “I mean his first fighter was (standout light heavyweight king) Virgil Hill. I think he just handles it confidently.”
What specific attribute does Foley think Roach has that has earned him the trust of his fighters?
“I think the most important thing is that fighters trust what he has to say,” says Foley thoughtfully. “That’s what they always tell me. When Freddie says something, they really listen, then they go out and do it. A lot of trainers tell a fighter something, and they wont do it, but they believe so much in Freddie that when he says it, they go right out there and do it, and 90% of the time, he’s right on.”
How does Roach prepare his fighters for big events?
“He watches some film, he gets a game plan before the fight, he has a plan A and a plan B. He studies the whole situation”, replies Foley, who works alongside Roach in preparing fighters.
And like his mentor, Eddie Futch, Roach has become renown for his calm in the face of fire.
“He keeps it pretty simple in the corner”, continues Foley. “He likes them to stay relaxed, and he only says one or two things. There’s no one screaming in Freddie Roaches corner. It’s a smooth approach corner.”
Why does Foley think this approach works so well?
“I think by him being in the corner relaxed, that comes to fruition with his fighters when they go back in the ring”, he replies carefully. “I remember when James Toney fought Jirov the last time, he went out in the 12th round and says ‘put this guy on his ass’, the next thing you know, the guy is on his ass. When he had Israel Vasquez fighting Johnny Gonzalez, that fight was give and take all night, and Freddie just kept his composure, and that was almost fight of the year too.”
Behind the scenes, Roach is a little less easy going. Although he likes to his fighters to enjoy themselves when training, he works his them hard, and expects them to take their profession seriously.
“Monday Wednesday, and Friday are sparring days, he always has sparring because he’s a strong believer in plenty of sparring,” says Foley. “Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday is mitt work, he puts them on the jump rope, he takes them in the ring takes them over situations, who they might be fighting, a tall guy, small guy, lefty or a righty. He makes them know what they are going up against.”
Of all his active fighters, whom does Foley think Roach gels best with?
“Pacquiao has been a ball,” he says, clearly holding the Filipino star in high regard. “It’s been a real rollacoaster ride, he’s on top of his game.”
So esteemed is Roach that the ‘Golden Boy’ Oscar De La Hoya is purportedly considering him for his bout with Floyd Mayweather next year.
“I don’t know if it is going to happen, but I’d like to see it; Freddy might be training Oscar De La Hoya for the Mayweather fight”, says Foley.
Given Mayweather’s father, Floyd Sr. is De La Hoya’s coach, the conflict of interest has lead to real speculation as to whether the older Mayweather would be the best man for the job. Roach is based in L.A, and would be the obvious choice in terms of experience and credibility.
“I think it’s a real possibility”, continues Foley. “I think it would work out great, and I give Oscar a little shot at Mayweather. I think Freddie would have the right plan for him, and I think he could pull it off”.
And if Roach was the man to lead De La Hoya to victory next year, there should be no doubt as to whom would win SecondsOut’s trainer of the year in 2007.
Also receiving consideration and their share of vote were, runner-up first:
Enzo Calzaghe – the eccentric father of Welsh hero Joe is finally getting the credit he deserves following the Lacy win… Joe’s unique style is of Enzo’s invention… completely out-thought Lacy and Dan Birmingham…WBO 200lbs king Enzo Maccarinelli has also come on in leaps and bounds since joining Camp Calzaghe…
Manny Steward, the Hall of Famer has taken a flawed heavyweight in Wladimir Klitschko and moulded him into a formidable fighting machine… Wlad would now be a massive odds-on favorite to beat anyone in the division… also guided Jermain Taylor to two wins this year… prospect Andy Lee looks like a champion in the making, too…
Amilcar Brusa: The Argentinean legend guide Carlos Baldomir to two of the biggest upset wins of the year v Zab Judah and then Arturo Gatti… amazing achievements considering Baldomir’s limitations… 84-year-old also trained legend Carlos Monzon and can claim to have produced the two of the most successful Argentinean fighters ever…
And finally Brendan Ingle, the trainer of Herol Grahman, Prince Naseem, Johnny Nelson and Junior Witter is eccentric, but you can’t argue with success… he’s had a world champ in his gym almost non-stop since 1995… Some international recognition is probably overdue…
Previous SecondsOut Trainers of the Year 2005: Billy Graham 2004: James ‘Buddy’ McGirt 2003: Freddie Roach 2002: James ‘Buddy’ McGirt 2001: Bouie Fisher 2000: Emanuel Steward
