FORTY-NINE AND GOING STRONG!
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 06 Mar 2009
Hollywood, CA: To many, today (March 5th) is just another day. But at the Wildcard Gym, it is something very special. It is Freddie Roach?s birthday.
At 49, the amiable Irishman could not be in any better shape. He is active as can be, in tip top shape and raring to do the almost eight weeks of hard grind to train Manny Pacquiao for his battle against the beer chugging Brit, Ricky Hatton on May 2 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas.
To cap the day, Team Pacquiao and a bunch of Roach?s friends presented Roach with yummy birthday cakes. They also hang a banner declaring the special day in the traditional Irish green color.
The cakes were meant to help him celebrate the day the old fashion way.
A pundit indicated that they were presented to him not to remind him that he is getting older, but to assure him that just like fine wine, he gets better as he ages.
Manny Pacquiao took the lead in presenting Freddie a Commemorative Frame with photos taken during the Pacquiao-De la Hoya fight.
Freddie Roach took all the best wishes and the gifts in stride and humble as he is, he was at a lost for words at the affection and respect Team Pacquiao and his friends have afforded him.
But, he played along and blew out the birthday candles.
From PhilBoxing, here?s a toast to you Freddie. We are positive, you will have many more to come.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Freddie Roach!
Top photo: Hall-of-Famer bound Roach blows the birthday candle during the celebration of his birthday at the Wildcard Gym today.
Roach (R) and Pacquiao pose with Pacquiao's birthday gift to Roach.
Pacquiao leads the singing of 'Happy Birthday' to Roach.
The cake is ready.
Photos by Miguel Salazar / MP Promotions.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
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