PACQUIAO'S DECISION ON ROACH IS NOT YET FINAL
By Maloney L. Samaco
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 18 Apr 2018
Eleven time global titlist and eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao says he has yet to make a final decision regarding continuing or breaking his 16-year relationship with boxing trainer Freddie Roach.
Pacquiao's trusted business manager Michael Koncz made a declaration in several recent interviews over the press that the fighting senator has made a decision to replace Roach with childhood friend Restituto "Buboy" Fernandez.
In a statement, Roach gave his answer to several news items that were released in the media.
Although Roach said he was "hurt" upon knowing of the decision to exclude him from Pacquiao's training camp, but he has the utmost wishes for the Filipino fighting icon.
"Manny and I had a great run for 16 years -- longer than most marriages and certainly a rarity for boxing," Roach was quoted. "I wouldn't trade any of it. Inside the boxing ring and the political ring, I wish Manny nothing but the best."
Roach said he felt upset that he was not told of it directly. "I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't hurt that he didn't contact me personally about his decision, but the great times we enjoyed together far outweigh that."
However last Sunday, Pacquiao made a statement which clarified that he was still undecided on who will be his chief trainer during the practices and the fight.
"Contrary to statements which I personally did not make that are circulating in the media, I have not made my final decision who will be my head trainer for my July 14 fight with Matthysse. My advisor Mike Koncz has been in contact with Freddie?s people to keep them informed. I will make a final decision within the week. When that decision is made, Freddie will be the first one to be informed and then I will advise the media," Pacquiao said.
Roach is widely considered as one of the best boxing trainers of all time. He also trained four-division World Champion Miguel Cotto, former WBC Middleweight Champion Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr., former junior welterweight champion Amir Khan, three-time world champion James Toney, former UFC middleweight and three-time welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre, also top fighters Jose Benavidez, Peter Quillin, and Vanes Martirosyan, and former two-time women's world champion Lucia Rijker.
Roach was trained by his father Paul Roach at a young age together with his brothers Joey and Pepper. He turned pro in 1978, fought in the lightweight division and won his first 10 bouts. Roach trained under legendary trainer Eddie Futch
Roach, who could take on a flurry of punches, began showing early signs of Parkinson's disease in the late stages of his career. Futch then advised Roach to retire but he did not heed the call and continued to fight hiring this time his father as his trainer.
Roach went on to lose five of his last six fights before retiring at age 26. His professional record was 40 wins (15 knockouts, 25 decisions), 13 losses (3 knockouts, 10 decisions), 0 draw.
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