Roach Calls Boxing World Cup 'Very Interesting'!
By Salven L. Lagumbay
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 05 Jan 2007
Celebrated trainer Freddie Roach, who has earned more respect world-wide when he announced that he would rather train his prized pupil Manny Pacquiao than his other friend Oscar De la Hoya due to conflicting schedules, has labeled the upcoming 'World Cup' of Boxing on March 4 in Cebu City as 'very exciting' in an interview.
When asked about the major event in Cebu by Philboxing.com's Little Rock, Arkansas correspondent Anthony 'Duljoman' Andales, Roach said: "I have two words for you Duljoman Anthony, "VERY INTERESTING!!!"
The March 4 World Cup of Boxing, a joint promotion of Oscar De la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions and the ALA/SGG group of Antonio Aldeguer and Sammy Gello-ani, will feature three world title bouts, one inter-continental showdown, and three non-title battles pitting Filipino fighters against their Mexican counterparts.
Headlining the show is the WBO superbantam showdown between reigning champion Daniel Ponce De Leon of Mexico against undefeated challenger Rey 'Boom Boom' Bautista, who is groomed by De la Hoya as 'the next Manny Pacquiao.'
Also in the card is the WBO superfly encounter between two technical fighters in reigning champ Fernanco 'Cochulito' Montiel against the talented Z 'The Dream' Gorres.
WBO bantam champ Jhonny Gonzales has expressed apprehension on facing Gerry Penalosa in the Philippines, so organizers are now looking at WBO light-flyweight boss Hugo Cazares defending against either Bert Batawang or Rodel Mayol.
Alex John Banal, the undefeated prospect fighting out of the ALA Gym, will also take on Gerson Guerrero for the vacant WBO Inter-continental superfly throne.
Three other Filipino fighters belonging to Golden Boy Promotions are also slated to see action.
When asked by Duljoman on his prospect of training De la Hoya, and the possibility of being offered good money to train the world's most charismatic and popular fighter, the Golden Boy, Roach said: There's no way I can train him... we talked several times, but it's just no way for me to train him... like I have no time at all... it's impossible, I have to give up almost everybody if I have to train him, coz I know I'm gonna be exclusive for him and I just can't do that...I'm a very loyal person Duljoman, Manny inspires me a lot, and I love working with him... He brings life to my gym, and inspires everybody... money can't make me leave Manny.
An April 28 bout for Pacquiao in Macau, and De la Hoya's May 5 showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr in what will easily be history's top-grossing bout, will create scheduling problems for Roach, and the latter definitely wants to give it his all if he trains either De la Hoya or Pacquiao.
Roach, surely, will always be open to training De la Hoya in any of his future fights after May 5, if the Golden Boy decides to keep on fighting.
And that will be what fans will call a match made in boxing heaven.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Salven L. Lagumbay.
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