It was probably the worst-kept secret in the boxing business, but before 140 media members on an international conference call, Oscar De La Hoya made it official that Freddie Roach will train him for his May 5th showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
?My choice is Freddie Roach, who I strongly believe in and who I believe in 100%,? said De La Hoya. ?He?s going to be passionate the way I am about this fight. I have already started training with my conditioning coach, Robert Garcia, who is preparing me and getting me ready for Freddie Roach when we start training in late- February.?
Roach, who is best known for his work with Manny Pacquiao, Mike Tyson, and James Toney, replaces Floyd Mayweather Sr., who turned down an offer from Golden Boy Promotions two and a half weeks ago, and whose counter-offer of a $2 million fee for the fight was turned down as well.
?It?s a huge opportunity for me to do this,? said Roach. ?This is gonna be the biggest show ever and I?m really happy to be part of it. It?s a must win situation for me. Winning is what counts and I?ve had success in the past. I feel that our gameplan and what we?re gonna do in training camp is gonna be great for Oscar and myself, and you?re gonna see the best Oscar De La Hoya fighting Mayweather.?
