WORLD EXCLUSIVE: ROACH AND FORTUNE SPLIT UP!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 18 Apr 2007
Reliable sources from the camp of superstar Manny Pacquiao have informed that celebrated trainer Freddie Roach and his long-time assistant Justin Fortune have headed to splitsville, and have gone their separate ways following what had been a successful defense of Pacquiao's WBC International crown against Jorge Solis.
Earlier, stories came out where Fortune had been quoted as saying that Roach was no longer needed in Pacquiao's corner, although both Fortune and Roach denied the story.
There was apparently nothing wrong between the two on the weeks and days leading up to the fight, where Roach had been in constant communication with Fortune and Pacquiao from his base in Puerto Rico where the multi-awarded trainer had been giving instruction on Pacquiao's daily training regimen.
The disagreement, according to sources, came about when the check representing the percentage of Pacquiao's purse intended for the trainer was given under Fortune's name, which did not sit well with Roach.
In a long-distance call to the Wild Card Gym today, a gym personnel told Philboxing.com that Fortune did not report to the gym.
Philboxing.com also tried to reach Roach on his mobile phone, but could not be reached as it was already late evening in Puerto Rico when the call was made.
Roach, a source said, had called up Pacquiao regarding the contentious check which was for the trainer's fee, although there was no mention as to who will finally get the trainer's share.
Roach has been getting a ten percent share of Pacquiao's fight purses in previous fights, and the fight against Solis was the first time where he could not be physically around to supervise the training, instead giving the task to his assistant Fortune.
Insiders, however, are hoping that both Roach and Fortune can settle their differences, and come out a stronger team after this.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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