FILE PHOTO: Fredie Roach (L) and Eight Division World Champion Manny “PACMAN” Pacquiao (R) answers the media questions at a press conference in promotion of his fight then against Chris Algeiri. (Ernesto Papas Fernandez / Photoville International / UNTV News)
Manny Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach spoke about the upcoming fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Roach’s biggest challenge will be when his protégé Manny Pacquiao faces off with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas on May 2 in a long awaited mega bout.
“I don’t think he’s (Mayweather) passed it at all. I think his legs are a little shot, a little worn, and I think Pacquiao has better legs at this moment at this time. I think maybe Pacquiao is a little faster and hits a little bit harder. Mayweather has a little fragile hands and is not the biggest puncher in the world. But I think we have more assets to win the fight I feel,” he said.
The duel between Mayweather and Pacquiao has been savoured by boxing fans as to who will take the mythical title of the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter.
Showtime and HBO will jointly broadcast the bout, which is one of the most eagerly anticipated in boxing since the classic 1975 ‘Thrilla in Manila’ between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
The fight has been five years in the making and roach is confident it will live up to the hype.
“I do believe it will live up to the hype at this point. I think it will be a better fight now because Mayweather doesn’t move as much as he used to so he has to exchange a little bit more so it does make it more exciting. But five years ago I would have probably favoured Mayweather, now I favour Pacquiao,” Roach said.
Pacquiao lost much of his appeal after successive defeats to American Timothy Bradley and Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in 2012, prompting talk of his possible retirement, though he has since bounced back with three impressive wins.
The welterweight showdown in Vegas is projected to be the most lucrative ever in boxing history with Mayweather expected to have a 60-40 split advantage on revenues, earning a minimum of $120 million and Pacquiao at least $80 million. (Ray Consolacion / UNTV News)