Though I am not a big boxing fan—I’ve just been made one during the last 2 years after having seen how this great champion brave-heartedly fought for his countrymen. Their first meeting was very controversial for the judging body to give the title to the Mexican ‘though every audience and boxing professional knows that Pacman did more of the beatings and throwing big-time punches aimed for a knockout (his cup of tea!), and in fact, records show that he knocked down his opponent 3 times in that bout. Yet, their second meeting was the true confirmation of the bravery of the great Filipino fighter. He’s finally put an end to his ever mind-boggling loss in 2004, a sure win everyone saw robbed from the true champion.
It was not the best of Pacquiao, says Roach
By Roy Luarca
Philippine Daily Inquirer, www.inquirer.net, Posted 04:52:00 03/17/2008
LAS VEGAS—It wasn’t the best of Manny Pacquiao whom the people saw on Saturday (Sunday in Manila).
This was the assessment of celebrated trainer Freddie Roach, who watched his prized ward post a razor-thin split decision victory over Juan Manuel Marquez in their battle for the World Boxing Council super featherweight crown at the Mandalay Bay Events Center here.
Roach said Pacquiao did better in training than on fight night.
He noted instances when Pacquiao deviated from their intended course.
“He (Pacquiao) was more disciplined in training than in the fight,” said Roach, who credited Marquez, however,
for standing up to Pacquiao.
“[Marquez] changed styles, threw more punches, moved right and went for the knockout,” said Roach. “He was a lot busier and put up a hell of a fight.”
Though Roach, a two-time Trainer of the Year, admitted that Pacquiao-Marquez II was a close fight, he said they won because “we came back.”
The 48-year-old Roach acknowledged the Mexican’s strong start in the first two rounds where Marquez caught Pacquiao cleanly several times.
“[The hits] happened because he (Pacquiao) followed him in the ring too much,” said Roach, who credited Pacquiao’s superb conditioning and superior power for the victory.
“We trained to get away from the right hand and he’s in one direction and that is in the direction of Marquez’s right hand,” said Roach.
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