Roach: 5-year delay worth it for Manny vs. Floyd fight

The Pacman on media day in Los Angeles. PHOTO BY GARY DE GUZMAN

LOS ANGELES—Less than two weeks before the May 2 welterweight world championship unification battle against the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr., Congressman Manny Pacquiao shows no sign of weariness.

In fact, the “Fighter of the Decade” did not only answer questions from over 300 reporters during a media workout on April 15, he also gamely accommodated requests for him to display his vocal skills. Going from one reporter to another, he sang a line from his new single, “Lalaban Ako Para sa Pilipino,” the song he will walk out to at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

“My entire career defines my legacy,” declared “Pac-Man” who will be US$100 million richer after the Las Vegas fight. “I have already accomplished great achievements in my career while excelling in different weight divisions. This fight is an additional achievement in my career. It’s the biggest fight in boxing history.”

For this date with destiny, the Sarangani-born boxing hero has been training rigorously for two months now. Anticipating heavy counter-punch action from Mayweather, Pacquiao has a lot of sparring partners who fight like his opponent.

“I have watched tape[s] on Floyd to make sure that our strategy and technique in training camp are correct,” Pacquiao said.

“He’s never watched tape[s] on any fighter before,” coach Freddie Roach observed. “Manny has faster hands and his combinations are better than Floyd’s. I believe that Manny being a southpaw will be a factor in this fight. Manny showed me [a] tape of Floyd fighting a southpaw and told me that that is exactly what we are going to do in this fight.”

“Pacquiao’s strength is speed, particularly his foot speed and the fact that he throws so many punches and attacks from low angles,” added Top Rank CEO and promoter Bob Arum, who was also on hand. “He really hits harder than Floyd does, so that’s really what it’s going to be about.”

According to Arum, Pacquiao will most likely inspire more awe once the match with Mayweather begins. The “Pac-man” is more motivated for this fight than any other fight “I’ve seen him prepare for,” Arum said.

Though this fight is five years in the making, it’s all worth the wait as far as Roach is concerned.

“Promoters should realize that these types of fights are what’s best for boxing and we should have more fights like this. I’m not surprised by the hype surrounding the fight.”

Roach also dispelled fears that Pacquiao might no longer have the energy and stamina come fight night due to overtraining. “Manny is better than ever, his attitude is different and I’ve never seen him work this hard. His speed is faster, his punches are harder. I’m really happy where he’s at. His legs look great. He’s on his toes all the time,” he said.

“He has really raised the bar in this training camp. He’s a different Manny Pacquiao than I have seen going into previous training camps. He is punching so much harder in training for this camp. We have a great idea of when and where we are going to attack Mayweather.”

Beating Mayweather would be Pacquiao’s biggest career victory.

“I enjoy boxing and giving honor to my country of the Philippines. My concern is to bring an exciting fight to my fans.”

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