Mexican legend Erik Morales and Manny Pacquiao’s American trainer Freddie Roach have apparently buried the hatchet and are now in speaking terms.
At least that seemed to be the case yesterday when Roach extended the hand of reconciliation and Morales accepted.
It was the first handshake between the two after Morales snubbed Roach on at least two occasions at the Diamond Hotel where the two are billeted.
The first snubbed occurred at the elevator three nights ago when the two ignored each other as they rode the lift on their way to their rooms, though Roach claimed he had wanted to greet the Mexican but decided against it when he sensed Morales had no inclination for a small talk.
The second happened when Morales rejected an invitation from Roach to have dinner at the hotel restaurant.
But yesterday, Morales finally found the composure to greet the trainer whose boxer Pacquiao, dealt him two bitter defeats that may have ended his glorious career.
Roach, according to a witness, moved towards Morales who was standing at the lobby waiting a ride and extended his hand which the Mexican accepted.
“They were very cordial to each other,” the witness said.
The raproachment was expected. Both were to star in a San Miguel Beer commercial with Pacquiao and it would have been awkward if they film the advertisement while not speaking to each other.
It could not be determined how the commercial will go as the ad was filmed in secrecy. But Morales stayed longer than Roach at the location site for more sequences, said a source.
Morales had reportedly been hurt by statements made by Roach to media in the days leading to his third fight with Pacquiao.
Roach had belittled the Mexican’s preparations for the fight, including his hiring of a nutrition and weight loss expert.
“We’ll feed him with Cleto Reyes gloves,” Roach was quoted as saying after noticing how quickly Morales had trimmed down for the fight.
