ROACH PLEASED WITH PACQUIAO'S FOCUS
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 25 May 2012
While Manny Pacquiao and his celebrated trainer Freddie Roach have both confessed that Pacquiao's marital problems prior to his third fight against Juan Manuel Marquez in which he won a controversial decision took its toll on Pacquiao, this time around Roach says "his focus is very good."
As Pacquiao winds down a hard week of sparring in which he is expected to go twelve furious rounds on Thursday at the Wild Card Gym, Roach told the international media in a conference call that they don't have days when Pacquiao "comes in tired and so forth because he has no nightlife whatsoever, beside bible study. He is very focused on the fight. He and God are very close right now and he is just a better athlete ? with no distractions."
Pacquiao conducts his Bible study every evening after his workouts with Pastor Jeric Soriano who is his spiritual mentor.
Asked whether he was concerned that the same-sex marriage comments or non-comments by Pacquiao would be a distraction, Roach replied that everyone is entitled to our opinions, but I see no problem whatsoever. "
When Pacquiao was asked about whether he expected the firestorm over the same-sex marriage statement he made the eight division world champion said "Yes. It's a controversial issue. The reporter asked me about my stance on it and I answered his question. I am against legalizing same-sex marriage. That was all I said."
On the issue of whether his commitment to religion reflect on his fighting in the ring, Pacquiao said "When I committed my life to the lord I gave up many things that were not in keeping with what the Bible teaches. Boxing is a job and I do not look at it as anything more than that. It will not affect my job."
Having been impressed with Pacquiao's tremendous sparring over eleven rounds on Tuesday in which he demonstrated his incredible hand-speed, power and ability to turn it on whenever he wished with furious combinations, Roach confidently predicted that Pacquiao "is fired up and ready to go. "
Roach said "He is motivated. We have had great workouts and sparring sessions. We had four new sparring partners that came in for this camp. Everything is right where it is supposed to be."
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum who visited Pacquiao while he was training said "From somebody who has visited the training camp a few times, the difference in Manny?s face is so apparent. He?s not as tired as he was and he?s not as worn as he was. There is a glow in his face.
Arum added "I think this religious awakening has been all good on his part. I am a little prejudiced because I am religious myself but I believe when young athletes find religion it will greatly enhance their careers."
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ronnie Nathanielsz.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Carlos De Leon Castro Stays Perfect with Explosive TKO Win in Orlando on DAZN
Thu, 06 Nov 2025Donaire in historic bid
By Joaquin Henson, Thu, 06 Nov 2025BROADCAST DETAILS ANNOUNCED FOR CMH2: BADOU JACK VS. NOEL MIKAELIAN
Thu, 06 Nov 2025Top prospect Marco Romero A victim of dramatic changes in Today’s professional boxing world
Thu, 06 Nov 2025Closing of registration on Nov. 15 for SDSPPO TWG-PAGPTD Run in Tandag
By Lito delos Reyes, Thu, 06 Nov 2025Rafael Espinoza-Arnold Khegai & Tenshin Nasukawa-Takuma Inoue Blockbuster Cards to Stream LIVE on Top Rank Classics FAST Channel
Thu, 06 Nov 2025JUSTIN LACEY-PIERCE OUTLASTS COURTNEY PENNINGTON IN DETROIT
Wed, 05 Nov 2025The José Sulaimán Boxers’ Fund continues supporting fighters worldwide
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 05 Nov 2025NBA Daily: Sans Injured Young, Hawks Still Dominate Magic 127-112
By Reylan Loberternos, Wed, 05 Nov 2025Kamatyas FIDE Rapid chess on Nov 8
By Marlon Bernardino, Wed, 05 Nov 2025WBC lifts the suspension imposed on Ryan Garcia
By Gabriel F. Cordero, Wed, 05 Nov 2025Siargao pug bags silver in Batang Pinoy
By Lito delos Reyes, Wed, 05 Nov 2025Marcial-Colmenares Middleweight Bout Steals Show at Thrilla in Manila 50th Year (Part 2 of 2)
By Teodoro Medina Reynoso, Wed, 05 Nov 2025Brown vs. Seldin for the WBA Super Lightweight Interim World Title
Wed, 05 Nov 2025FRANCIS LAFRENIÈRE MAKES COMEBACK NOV 29
Wed, 05 Nov 2025