Baguio City, Philippines – Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach started his training program with his new Filipino boxing protege, undefeated featherweight Lorenzo “Thunderbolt” Villanueva, at the Cooyesan Shape-Up Boxing Gym Wednesday and after four rounds of mitts sparring described the 24-year-old southpaw from North Cotabato as “impressive.”
Villanueva, 21 wins with 20 KOs, becomes only the second Filipino boxer to be currently handled by Roach, widely acknowledged as one of boxing’s best trainers. “I don’t want to be excessive with my praises but this boy learns fast, disciplined and he definitely packs power,” Roach proudly told Pacquiao of his new ward. Pacquiao arrived at the Cooyesan Gym to work out shortly after Roach finished his first training session with Villanueva.
The 5-foot-7 tall orphan, who Roach said is tall for a featherweight, was brought up to Baguio City by former North Cotabato governor Manny Piñol who is Villanueva’s manager. He was presented to the American trainer for the first time in The Manor Wednesday morning in the presence of Baguio City businessman Jay Sobrepeña.
“Don’t be too shy,” Roach told Villanueva after he noticed that the fighter from the southern Philippine island of Mindanao would smile and bow his head as the American trainer and Piñol discussed the training plans for the Filipino southpaw widely touted as a bright prospect for Philippine boxing.
After four rounds of shadow boxing, Roach asked Villanueva to get up the ring with him and started a mitts sparring session which lasted for four rounds.
Roach started demonstrating to Villanueva the techniques to shorten his punches and move his body. He appeared impressed as the World Boxing Oriental Featherweight champion easily implemented the moves that the American training wanted him to do.
After four rounds of mitts sparring, Roach got off the ring with a thumbs up sign and a big smile on his face.
“It’s a bit too early to say this but this boy could make it. He has the power and the discipline and he learns fast,” Roach said.
Roach said he expects to bring Villanueva back to the United States with him to continue his training program at the famed Wild Card Boxing Gym in Hollywood, California.