Roach prefers Garcia over Khan for Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Freddie Roach brushed off a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan, saying he likes to pit his prized ward against young star Danny Garcia instead.

In a report by boxingscene.com, Roach said the styles of Pacquiao and Garcia would make for a more exciting bout.

“I like Danny Garcia, I think he's the more exciting fight,” the bespectacled trainer said.

Pacquiao will return to the ring next year, with Khan reportedly the frontrunner to be his comeback opponent.

But Roach isn’t keen on getting Pacquiao on the ring with the British star, whom the multi-titled cornerman, interestingly, used to train.

“Amir Khan and [Pacquiao] have too much of a similar style where it might be a little boring – with two in-and-out boxers with good speed and so forth,” Roach added.

Khan has set his crosshairs on Pacquiao after again failing to land a megabuck date with Floyd Mayweather Jr., who instead picked Andre Berto as his final opponent.

But if Roach will have his way, Pacquiao should go after Garcia, holder of a perfect 31-0 record (18 knockouts).

“I think Danny Garcia comes to fight, I think he looks for knockouts. I like his style and I think he and Pacquiao would be a great matchup,” said Roach.

The 27-year-old Garcia is the reigning WBA super lightweight champion. – Dino Maragay