Friday, October 05, 2007 Roach predicts KO win for Pacquiao By Charles Ramyond A. Maxey
THE grudge rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Marco Antonio Barrera this Saturday (Sunday in Manila) will not last the distance and it should be the Filipino boxing sensation who will emerge the winner when the smoke of the battle clears.
That's Freddie Roach, the famed American trainer of Pacquiao who was again making a bold prediction during the final press conference for super featherweight showdown at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
"We know it's going to be a tough fight. Marco is a real game guy, but I do believe we'll get it done before twelve," Roach said.
The American guru also boasted that he and Pacquiao had a great training camp both in Cebu and at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, transforming his fighter in excellent condition for the fight.
Pacquiao, flashing a smile, addressed the crowd: "I'm really excited about the fight this Saturday. We will see whether or not Barrera was really distracted in the first fight."
Pacquiao was referring to Barrera's excuses when the Mexican warrior lost in their first fight back in 2003 in San Antonio, Texas.
Barrera had to leave his training camp in Big Bear that time because of wildfires, and used this as an excuse when he absorbed an 11th round TKO defeat.
This time, Barrera said he's coming to the fight with no excuses.
"No, no, no. I'm here to talk about this fight," Barrera said.
He also has words for Roach.
"I'd like to say to Freddie Roach my hand wraps are the same as what I used in 2003. So don't worry about that. The fight is only three days away and I'm ready," Barrera said.
Pacquiao will enter the fight carrying a record of 44-3-2 with 35 KOs, while Barrera has a ring record of 63-5 with 42 KOs.
