There are no doubts now for four-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach that his prized fighter, Manny Pacquiao, will overcome Antonio Margarito of Mexico on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
Although Roach has predicted that Pacquiao will prevail over his Mexican foe in “The Event,” the American trainer has also expressed worry that the Filipino boxer-congressman was being distracted by politics during his training camp.
“After our stint here following Manny’s so-so performance in Manila and Baguio confirmed my earlier belief that he is still the same man I used to know, the best boxer in the world,” Roach said in a PhilBoxing.com report by Eddie Alinea.
Roach was also pleased that the 7-division world champion was able to regain his focus.
“He trained really hard to the extent of killing himself. When I told him to stop, he asked for more. That’s the Pacquiao of old and as such, he will again win as he had done too many times before,” he said from Los Angeles, California ahead of Team Pacquiao’s departure for Texas.
“The Event” will be held at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas where Pacquiao and Margarito will fight for the vacant World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight crown.
The American cited their Saturday workout as a good sign that their training regimen worked well.
“His daily runs up and down Griffith Hill, his hundred rounds of sparring and doing the mitts have started reaping fruits,” Roach related. “Now, I’m no longer scared.”
He even stated: “I’m betting my house on Manny… And had I married and had children, I will also bet them that Manny will beat (Antonio) Margarito and etch his name in boxing history as the first man to win an eighth title in as many divisions.”
Pacquiao, the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, also revealed that he had to work on his speed because he became "sluggish."
“Freddie and myself talk things over heart-to-heart upon arrival here. I told him the effect of our training regimen. He agreed with me and told me to do whatever I believe is good for me. Since then, the course of our training improved. That made him happy,” said the Filipino boxing superstar, who claimed that he has reached his peak condition.
