MANILA, Philippines – Freddie Roach is confident that the much-anticipated fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. will happen that he’s started analyzing the undefeated American’s style.
In a report by Joseph Herron of fightsaga.com, Roach said he has began reviewing tapes of Mayweather’s recent fights and devising a gameplan to beat him.
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“I’ve done a little bit of research on Floyd, and I’ve done a little bit of research on sparring partners. The Floyd that I watched five years ago is a little different from Floyd today. So I’ve been watching his most recent fights,” the multi-titled trainer explained.
The boxing world is keeping an eye on Mayweather to make the announcement that the megabuck showdown is finally a go, something that could come anytime soon. While there’s still no deal, Pacquiao’s camp is optimistic that the bout – reportedly worth $250 million – will push through.
Roach, for his part, isn’t wasting precious time and has started focusing on handing Mayweather his first defeat in 47 fights.
Pacquiao’s longtime cornerman believes his ward has the tools to do it.
“He [Mayweather] still doesn’t make a lot of mistakes, but he has a couple of flaws. With Manny’s southpaw stance, it might help him in some ways or it might hurt him in some ways. It’s going to be a very tactical fight,” Roach said.
Roach, however, admits defeating Mayweather is no easy task.
“But I have to come up with a perfect gameplan for this one. This is going to be the biggest challenge ever, and I like challenges. I think my guy can pull it off, but it won’t be easy,” he added. - Dino Maragay