by Sean Lewis: Freddie Roach, the preeminent trainer in the sport , sits atop the boxing landscape secure in the knowledge that he has one of the best fighters in the sport today in Filipino sensation, and multi-weight champion Manny Pacquiao. Most would agree that this dynamic duo is unmatched when it comes to putting together a game plan, and following through. Mr. Roach has attained an almost mythical status amongst many fans whom believe that with Roach in the corner Manny simply can not lose.

Personally, I feel that much of the admiration thrown at both Freddie and Manny is unwarranted. While I will give Manny credit for destroying many legends on his way up through the ranks, I don’t think Freddie had a lot to do with it. Manny was a one- handed fighter when he beat Barrera, Morales, Marquez, etc. I simply find it impossible to give credit to a trainer whose fighter throws the same punch over an over. Even today, Manny’s amateurish punches look like the work of a small child with a mean streak. This is not to disparage Manny, as he makes this caveman style work to his benefit by fighting fighters that ae willing to stand in front of him and let him swing away. Freddie is starting to believe his own hype. I see interview after interview of him expounding on the intricacies of his fight plans. Truth of the matter is Freddie’s fight plan is something along lines of ‘Manny go out there and go crazy cause you have a lot of stamina, and you’re fighting a stationary, no skill target.’

The point of my article is this. Will Freddie be able to suck up his pride and stop the fight when Shane begins to bust Manny up? I have heard Freddie in the past wax eloquently on how he will look out for the welfare of his fighters no matter what. Is this the truth? When Freddie looks down at his charge in the corner and realizes that Shane is simply too skilled, too strong, too smart, will he be able to pull the plug? Or will his ego prevent him from acting in his fighter’s best interest? I, for one, feel that Freddie knows that the Manny and Freddie show is a sham and simply a media creation to fill the void left by the real pound for pound king Floyd Mayweather. Will Freddie be able to give up this sham when the time comes? We know Manny is a warrior and will die in the ring if necessary. For Manny’s sake, I hope Roach doesn’t deem it necessary.