Pacquiao shows politics, sports can happily mix
MANILA, Philippines - Freddie Roach had initially thought that Manny Pacquiao's entry into politics would have a huge effect on his boxing career. After only a few rounds with Pacquiao on the mitts, all his worries went flying out the window. "The work ethic is still there. Congress hasn't taken that away. I feel his power, his intensity and he already knows the gameplan to win this fight," said Roach on Friday before he presided over Pacquiao's training at the Elorde Boxing Gym in Quezon City. Roach is helping Pacquiao get in top shape for a Nov. 13 showdown with Antonio Margarito in Dallas and this early, the amiable 50-year-old former fighter believes there is no way Pacquiao would melt away against the lumbering Margarito. "I don't want to kill the fight by saying we're going to blow him away, but we're going to blow him away. I really do," said Roach. Roach is so convinced of the outcome that he is willing to tell it to Margarito's face. "I will bet and tell it to him that he'll quit. The only way that he won't quit is once he gets knocked out." Margarito is in the thick of training in Los Angeles under Robert Garcia and is said to be in terrific form seven weeks before the scheduled 12-round battle for the vacant World Boxing Council super-welterweight crown. But Roach, who has been calling the shots in Pacquiao's corner since 2001, is undaunted. "He (Margarito) is so slow. They better improve something. But I can't say it's an easy fight, though. But I am not worried about this guy at all." Pacquiao and Roach would train for the last time in Metro Manila on Saturday afternoon before traveling to Baguio for the most crucial phase of the training. Roach said sparring will start either Tuesday or Thursday and Pacquiao would be pitted against Michael Medina, the 5-11 from Mexico. Still, Roach is supremely confident that Pacquiao would easily beat Margarito. "I am not losing sleep over Margarito," added Roach.
Reposted From Manila Bulletin
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