Roach: Size won't matter

MANILA, Philippines - Freddie Roach won’t mind if Antonio Margarito climbs the ring at 200 lb.

He said Manny Pacquiao will stick to the old winning formula of getting into a fight no heavier than 150.

Roach said it won’t matter if Pacquio gives up a lot in size, four inches in height, six inches in reach and yes, a whole lot more in weight, as long as they flaunt the same power and speed on Nov. 13.

“Again, he’s (Margarito) bigger but size don’t win fights. Skill does,” said Roach entering the last four weeks of training.

The American boxing guru said he expects Pacquiao to weigh in at 149 on the eve of the fight, and show up at the Cowboys Stadium the following day at almost exactly the same weight.

“That’s what we’re going to do – weigh in and climb the ring at almost the same weight. Manny’s not going in there heavier than 150 because it might slow him down a bit,” said Roach.

It’s been proven in the past that slightly under 150 is the best fighting weight for Pacquiao, in fights against Ricky Hatton, Oscar dela Hoya, Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey.

The bout, for the vacant WBC super-welterweight (154 lb) crown, is pegged at a catchweight of 151 lb.

Margarito should pass the official weigh-in, but in the next 24 hours after that, with all the replenishing of the body, he can bloat to as heavy as 160 for a fight.

“I don’t care,” said Roach.

The heavier Margarito gets, the happier Roach is.

Pacquiao is certainly way below 150 lb right now, even with some forced feeding. He takes six meals a day, enjoying anything he wants on the table, mostly traditional Filipino food like tinolang manok, ampalaya, chicken adobo, bulalo and rice.

Roach said Pacquiao’s going to knock Margarito out in seven to eight rounds.

“I’d be disappointed if we don’t,” he said.