By Sam Gregory: Freddie Roach gave an interview with the British media recently and put things very much in perspective in regards to his fighter Manny Pacquiao and his up-coming fight with Ricky Hatton on May 2, at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
When asked if he should give Floyd Mayweather Sr. credit for his accomplishments as a trainer Roach said, “Why? What has Floyd Sr. achieved? His son is a natural-born fighter. His brother Roger trained him anyway. He tells me he’s the greatest but what has he done? He trained Oscar De La Hoya after Oscar had won four world titles.”
“Ricky Hatton is going to do what he has always been doing against Manny. After he gets hit in the first round he’s gonna revert back to what he does best, and that’s fight. Ricky Hatton is a tough guy, he’s gonna come to fight, I know that. All that Mayweather ‘rolling your shoulders’ bullshit isn’t going to help.”
Roach added, “Floyd is trying to improve him but I don’t think you can change Ricky at this point in his career.”
“Ricky talks about having worked on his defense and head movement but he is what he is. He’s been doing this for a long time.”
“If he tries to outbox Manny and fights like Floyd teaches, then he’ll lose. He teaches one way and one way only, and that’s not suited for Ricky in my opinion. He’d be foolish to try to outbox Manny.”
When asked if weight will make a difference and the fact that Ricky Hatton will be stepping in the ring at well over 140 pounds Roach said, “We fought Oscar at 147, strength doesn’t win the fight smartness does, using your game plan, the smarter guy will win this fight, and that’s my guy.”
As far as gaining weight Roach said, “Gaining over 10 pounds in a 24 hour period before a fight will slow you down; food dulls your senses and your skills, it’s a proven fact. The more weight he (Ricky Hatton) gains the happier I’ll be. The bigger Ricky Hatton is when he steps in the ring the happier I’ll be.”
Roach said, “I have 23 world champions today. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them. Give the fighters credit. Trainers are over-rated, believe me.”
“We guide our fighters in the right direction but it’s up to them to implement the game plan. It’s the same with me, Manny makes me look good.”
Roach said, “I don’t think the fight will go the distance. It will be a great fight in the first half but Manny will get to him in the later rounds and will knock him out at some point.”
In closing Freddie Roach said, “Ricky is very resilient but his come-forward nature will walk him into some shots and that will get him out of there.”
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