Roach acknowledges Mayweather as era's best boxer

MANILA, Philippines – Even Freddie Roach is sold: Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the best boxer of his generation.

Roach, Manny Pacquiao’s longtime trainer, recently admitted that the undefeated Mayweather tops his ward as the best boxer of this era.

“Manny had eight world titles and a lot of great opponents and so forth. Mayweather had the same, had a great career and undefeated, so I guess we're going to have to give it to Mayweather,” the multi-titled cornerman said in a boxingscene.com report by Carlos Boogs.

Mayweather actually won titles in five weight divisions, three fewer than Pacquiao, who was champion in an unprecedented eight weight classes.

But Mayweather proved he is the top dog by besting Pacquiao in their showdown last May, which turned out to be the richest fight in boxing.

Roach himself trained two boxers in an attempt to hand Mayweather his first loss ever. He worked Oscar De La Hoya’s corner when he fought Mayweather in 2007 and did the same for Pacquiao.

In both times, Roach failed.

Mayweather retired after beating Andre Berto in September, his perfect 49-0 record intact.

This, Roach said, is why Mayweather’s the best.

“Mayweather had no losses and so forth, so he's probably king of this era,” he added.

Still, Roach gave Pacquiao his due.

“But Manny was a lot more exciting for the fans,” Roach said.