Roach admits Mosley won't be easy prey

MANILA, Philippines - It’s no joke when Freddie Roach says it’s not going to be an easy fight.

Contrary to what many people say, the hottest trainer in boxing firmly believes that Manny Pacquiao could be in for a big surprise against Shane Mosley on May 7.

Oddsmakers have Pacquiao as the 8-1 favorite, meaning that only way he could lose this battle is he climbs the ring at the MGM Grand with his hands tied to his waist.

But Roach, who never takes any fight, any fighter for granted, doesn’t think so.

“People are saying to Manny this is going to be an easy fight,” Roach told Fight Camp 360, a four-part series drumming up the highly anticipated welterweight clash.

“And I want to slap them in the face and say, ‘Don’t tell him (Pacquiao) that because it’s not an easy fight,’” added Roach, who nonetheless expects another victory for his Pinoy fighter.

Pacquiao said he can feel the pressure of people chalking up another victory for him even before the fight could start.

“Millions of fans are expecting my victory. There is pressure but I can handle that,” he said.

Roach said he’s expecting the best of Mosley on fight night, the same Mosley that defeated Oscar dela Hoya twice, and the same Mosley who knocked out Antonio Margarito in 2009.

Pacquiao turned Margarito’s face into a pulp last November, but failed to put the Mexican almost twice as big as Pacquiao, down during their 12-round contest.

 “I’m excited about this fight because we know that Shane is going to bring it,” said Roach last week at his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood where Pacquiao held a media workout.

“The fight with Sugar Shane will not be easy. But my prediction is that Manny will win by knockout and become the first boxer to stop Mosley,” he said.

Bob Arum, the promoter, joined the sales talk.

“Nobody can count Shane Mosley out. He is a good, good fighter, especially when he fights an aggressive opponent like Manny Pacquiao,” he said.