MACAU ? Robert Garcia, who trains Brandon Rios, says Manny Pacquiao is still good but no longer the best he was some four years ago when the Filipino boxing icon was knocking out better and bigger guys.
?He has not knocked out anybody since four years ago,? Garcia told reporters covering the Pacquiao-Rios fight at the Cotai Arena on Sunday, November 24.
The last to fall from Pacquiao via stoppage was Miguel Angel Cotto, who was stopped I the 11th round.
However, Garcia said a different Pacquiao is still a good Pacquiao and they will come prepared for what Pacquiao was at his best.
?In the ring, May is still a good fighter,? the former boxing contender pointed out.
But he said he saw a decline in Manny in the last few years.
?There is (sic) things that I have seen in his last few fights,? Garcia said.
The wear and tear, according to him, have slowed down Pacquiao.
?A lot of fighters go trough the same thing,? he explained.
?I am not saying this is Manny?s last fight. It doesn?t have to. But everybody?s end come one day,? Garcia added.
He said he believes Pacquiao can still continue to fight even if he losses to his ward because to the Filipino?s large fan base in the Philippines.
Pacquiao?s own coach has said he will tell Pacquiao to hang up his gloves if he losses again against Rios on Sunday.
Garcia disagrees with Roach. He said Pacquiao could still fight ?another 10 years.?
He was recently voted Coach of the Year, a distinction Roach has earned at least four times in as many years.
Garcia apparently still has big respect for Pacquiao.
He said five years ago, he would have beaten Floyd Mayweather Jr.
?He throws a lot of punches and Mayweather uses defenses a lot. Pacquiao would have won by decision,? Garcia admitted.
But he is no longer betting on it.
?Not anymore,? he hastened to add.
