ROACH THINKS PACQUIAO SHOULD CANCEL SOLIS FIGHT
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 03 Mar 2007
Celebrated two-time “Trainer of the Year” Freddie Roach thinks Filipino ring idol Manny Pacquiao should cancel his planned fight against undefeated Mexican Jorge Solis at the Alamadome in San Antonio, Texas on April 14.
In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Manila Standard Today, Roach said that “time is short and Manny has hardly trained” because of all his distractions including a political campaign for a congressional seat in the May elections.
Roach said it’s a “dangerous fight” for Pacquiao since he hasn’t had time to train properly. Roach said he was able to get a tape of a Solis fight and noticed that “he fights like Erik Morales a little bit. He is tall, 5’10” and doesn’t run that much. He will trade with you.”
Roach said however that Solis hasn’t fought “such quality opponents but he is still undefeated with a lot of knockouts. There is no such thing as an easy fight.”
Informed that there were loyal supporters through the years who have suggested that he postpone fighting and not run for congress but instead look ahead to megabuck rematches against Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez. Roach endorsed the suggestion that Pacquiao concentrate on his ring career saying “I agree.”
Pacquiao returned to General Santos City yesterday after spending most of the day with Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson who is running for the senate on the administration’s “Team Unity.” Pacquiao accompanied Singson and Pwersa ng Bayan sa Atleta Party List leader and former PBA superstar Jerry Codinera to the Iglesia Ni Kristo headquarters where they met with a spokesman for Bishop Manalo, Arnel Tumanan.
Pacquiao is expected back in Manila for a fight card presented by MP Promotions today after which he plans to fly to Los Angeles either on Monday or Tuesday to continue training at the Wild Card Gym of Roach who regretted that he wont be around since he is leaving for Puerto Rica to train Oscar De La Hoya for his blockbuster showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr on May 5.
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