When International Boxing Federation (IBF) superbantamweight champion Manny Pacquiao steps into the ring to face unbeaten Mexican challenger Emmanuel Lucero in Los Angeles this Saturday (Sunday morning, Manila), Roach promises the Filipino will be ready for war.
Roach began training Pacquiao for Lucero at his Wild Card gym in Hollywood only last week after he arrived from Glasgow. He spent two weeks preparing British superfeatherweight champion Alex Arthur for his title defense against Willie Limond and worked his corner in Scotland. With Roach showing the way, Arthur halted Limond in the eighth round to raise his unblemished record to 16-0, with 14 knockouts.
Arthur said working with Roach for two weeks is "better than nothing." He added, "Freddie’s extremely busy. I think he was working with (Juan) Lazcano and (Johnny) Tapia so couldn’t come any sooner."
Roach, 43, has led nine fighters to world titles so far. Virgil Hill, who won the World Boxing Association (WBA) lightheavyweight crown in 1987, was the first he brought to the throne. His most recent feat was resurrecting veteran James (Lights Out) Toney’s career. Toney dethroned IBF cruiserweight king Vassily Jirov last April.
Roach also put in two weeks of work to prepare Pacquiao for his fight against Lehlo Ledwaba two years ago. He taught the Filipino how to use his head and footspeed for defense. Pacquiao impressed Roach with his determination, discipline, willingness to learn, and raw power. The result hardly surprised Roach. Pacquiao knocked out the heavily-favored Ledwaba in the sixth round to wrest the IBF 122-pound diadem in Las Vegas.
Clearly, there’s something about Roach that inspires his fighters to go all out. Maybe, it’s his diploma in the school of hard knocks. He was a never-say-die warrior who battled the likes of Bobby Chacon, Greg Haugen and Hector Camacho in an eight-year career that ended with a 39-13 record, including 15 knockouts, in 1986. Roach left the ring with head unbowed, scars on his face, a broken nose and his faculties a little shaky. In 1990, he was diagnosed to be suffering from Parkinson’s disease. Roach slurs occasionally and walks with a limp.
Maybe, it’s his training background because he learned from the best–the late Eddie Futch. "So much of Eddie rubbed off on me," said Roach. "I don’t like a loud corner or a lot of hype. Neither did he. I don’t believe in getting excited and screaming at your fighter. It’s very important for a trainer to keep calm, just like Eddie always did."
Maybe, it’s his sincerity. Roach works his tail off for his fighters, sometimes injuring his hands during punch-mitt sessions. It’s a commitment he makes to his fighters. He teaches by example. That’s why the fighters respect Roach.
Another thing about Roach is he doesn’t impose himself. Roach said the most important aspect of his job is to make the most out of a fighter’s natural ability. "Too many trainers try and change things," he noted. "You’ve got to let the fighter’s natural ability grow because that’s what he’ll revert to when he’s in trouble."
Boxing News editor Claude Abrams wrote: "What I like most about Roach is he doesn’t seek the limelight. He goes about his business quietly, doesn’t put down other trainers and his agreements with all his boxers are sealed with a handshake, not a contract."
Roach’s gym is on the second floor of a building on Vine Street in Hollywood. A laundromat is on the first floor. The gym is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Pros pay $25 a month to train in Roach’s gym, regardless of stature or ability. Others pay $50 a month or $5 a day. Personalized training is available at $10 an hour.
Roach, older brother Pepper, former lightheavyweight fighter Macka Foley, one-time heavyweight prospect Justin Fortune, ex-amateur star Boris Zykanov, Toney’s best friend Eric Brown, Sammy Stewart, and Troy Bodine are the trainers for hire at the gym which was inaugurated in 1994.
Celebrities who work out in Roach’s facility include Wesley Snipes, Cuba Gooding, Denzel Washington, Scott Caan, and Sang Hai Li.
Roach’s most famous client is Mike Tyson. The former heavyweight champion hired Roach to train him for his recent bout against Clifford Etienne. Roach said the contract was for only the Etienne fight. "If Mike wants me back, we’ll negotiate a deal," said Roach. "No doubt, Tyson will want Roach in his corner again. He was sensational in knocking out Etienne in a single round."
In a recent phone interview, Roach said he’s confident Pacquiao will knock out Lucero. "No problem," he assured. "Manny can handle him. Lucero’s a tough guy who comes at you. He’s strong but he’s not hard to hit. Manny’s in great shape. He’s beautiful. He runs long distances every day and he’s doing what he’s supposed to do."
While Roach arrived from Scotland only a week ago, Pacquiao has been working out in his gym since flying in from Manila last July 1.
Roach took two weeks to prepare Pacquiao for Ledwaba. He also took two weeks to prepare Arthur for Limond. So two weeks to prepare Pacquiao for Lucero is par for the course.