Roach links up with Pacquiao

By Calvin Cordova
Inquirer

CEBU CITY, Philippines–There was a moment in the ring when those who spoke of a rumored rift between Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach would have found vindication.

While the Filipino boxing hero worked the mitts with his equally noted trainer, Pacquiao accidentally hit Roach’s abdomen hard enough to force a loud “ouch” from the American, and a chorus of laughter from the throng that packed the gym.

“It was a pretty strong punch and he hit me in one of my broken ribs, which has yet to heal completely,” said Roach. “I held my breath there for a while.”

Beyond that accidental punch, though, all was well between boxer and trainer as they began preparing for a monumental rematch with Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera.

In front of 300 people who squeezed into the Rex “Wakee” Salud International Gym in Punta Princesa, Labangon — some of whom even climbed an eight-foot wall to catch a glimpse of the Pacman at work — Pacquiao went shadow boxing and worked the mitts with Roach for seven rounds, wowing everyone with his trademark lightning hand speed and nifty footwork.

It was Pacquiao’s second day of workout here and his first with Roach, who arrived at 10:30 a.m. Thursday.

Pacquiao faces Barrera on Oct. 6 in Las Vegas, and Roach believes there is still enough time to prepare.

“Time is not a problem at all,” said the American. “Although we just started with our training, Manny has been practicing on his own and I’m going to push him hard everyday so he will be in a great shape.”

Roach, who hurt his ribs after getting hit by a wayward punch from Bernard Hopkins during their weigh-in melee with Winky Wright last July, will close the training sessions to the public on weekdays and will open it only during Saturdays to avoid distractions.

“We have to stay focused because it’s going to be a hard fight,” Roach said. “If we will take Barrera lightly, then that’s the only way that we’re going to lose. I won’t let distractions get in our way.”

In their first encounter, Pacquiao scored an 11th round technical knockout victory over Barrera, but Roach warned the Filipino boxer of a tougher fight.

Pacquiao’s Cebu training was said to have been forced by a spat with Roach. Roach denied that report.

“We have no problem whatsoever,” said Roach.

“I can’t remember his name but it was a Filipino journalist who spread the news,” Roach added. “I talked to him [about] where he got the information but he said he just heard it. I asked him where did he hear it but he could not give any answer. There are people who are trying to sow trouble but I won’t allow that to happen.”

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