?IT?S PACQUIAO BY POINTS? - Roach
By Eddie Alinea
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 16 Dec 2009
Saying Floyd Mayweather is, in style, far from Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and even Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao?s trainer Freddie Roach expressed confidence that his ward will also dispose of the unbeaten American.
Roach, known to correctly predict the knockout outcomes of at least three previous Pacquiao fights, said though that it most-likely that the Filipino seven-division champion will prevail on points in the past and present best pound-for-pound fighters on March 13 at a place still subject to negotiations.
The reason, he said, is that the 40-0 win-loss record-holder is a tougher opponent than the last three and it won?t be a simple task of ``knocking him out.?
"I look at it as a very complicated fight. The truth is, it will be difficult and we have to work a lot with Manny on strategy, because Floyd is a great fighter, fast, very defensive and he is smart. But we still have two months to make it work for everything to happen [for us],?? Roach The Record as quoted by Boxing Scene.
Although the fight is closer than the earlier proposed month of May, the three-time ?Trainer of the Year? honoree said there is more than enough time to prepare for the super fight.
"We are going to spend one month in the Philippines and another in Los Angeles (to prepare) for the fight. I believe we have ideal time to properly prepare and get ready for Pacquiao to win a decision," Roach said.
Meanwhile, a source close to the negotiations, said the chances are the March encounter will be finalized, if not within the week, early next week.
No definite venue has been agreed upon although reports are that, among those bidding, the MGM Grand in Las Vegas is the frontrunner. Texas' Dallas Cowboys has made a strong $25 million dollar bid to steal it away, but MGM is said to be putting together a deal that will reach over $30 million.
All bases looked to have been covered, including Olympic style drug testing of both fighters.
"The fight will definitely be finalized this week," the source said.
(Eddie Alinea's articles also appear in the Philippine Gazette)
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Eddie Alinea.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Boxlab Promotions Euri Cedeno and Carlos De Leon Castro Shine in San Juan Victories
Wed, 04 Feb 2026National Boxing Hall of Fame 2026 is set to April 26 in Montebello, California
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Vito Mielnicki Jr. Returns Home to Defend WBC USA, IBF USBA and WBO Global Middleweight Championships Against Omar Ulises Huerta
Wed, 04 Feb 2026Noah Lucas Palcis sees action in Bangkok chess meet
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 04 Feb 2026Reymond Yanong Edges Out Hayato Ono for Split Decision Win in Japan
By Carlos Costa, Tue, 03 Feb 2026“I’m gonna smoke whoever is in front of me, Anthony Wright- Hearn makes his pro debut March 13 at Thunderdome 53
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Pacman's Cue Club Hosts J&P 10 Ball Cup from Feb. 4 to 7
By Marlon Bernardino, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Mt. Apo Boulder Face Challenge is back
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026WILDER AND CHISORA FACE OFF IN ICONIC TIMES SQUARE TO ANNOUNCE APRIL 4 HEAVYWEIGHT SHOWDOWN AT THE O2 LONDON
Tue, 03 Feb 2026World Boxing appoints Tom Dielen as new Secretary General
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Sullivan Management signs 19-1 power-punching Albanian heavyweight Kristian Prenga
Tue, 03 Feb 2026Another Grandeza in MMA is coming
By Lito delos Reyes, Tue, 03 Feb 2026Gracie meets Zubiri in PH
By Lito delos Reyes, Mon, 02 Feb 2026International Master Eric Labog Jr. rules FIDE rapid chess tourney
By Marlon Bernardino, Mon, 02 Feb 202676ers star Paul George has been suspended for 25 NBA games by doping
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Sun, 01 Feb 2026