Saturday, January 21, 2006
Roach says Manny will win
By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
THE man responsible for sharpening the skills of Manny Pacquiao, the one who turned the Filipino boxer into an explosive and mean fighter, has predicted a huge win for his ward come Saturday (Sunday in Manila) against Erik Morales of Mexico.
Freddie Roach, the famed American trainer who learned his coaching skills from the great trainer Eddie Futch, is even hinting of a knockout win for Pacquiao.
"I'm confident Manny will win -- and don't be surprised if Manny wins by a big knockout," was Roach's bold announcement during a press conference at Wynn Las Vegas Wednesday.
Roach insisted Pacquiao is well prepared and focus for the fight because he had "his best training camp ever."
Pacquiao and Morales will square off in a grudge 12-round super featherweight rematch on January 21 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Morales won the first fight, pulling off a unanimous decision win after Pacquiao fought the last seven rounds with only one good eye due to a cut he suffered in the fifth round.
Both Pacquiao and Morales looked in great shape when they appeared for the news conference.
But Roach said it would be a different Pacquiao fighting Morales this time.
"In the last fight Morales did not see the best Manny Pacquiao -- but Morales better be prepared this time. I can feel it inside -- we're going to win," Roach said.
The weigh-in is scheduled Friday (Saturday in Manila).
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (January 21, 2006 issue)
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