FREDDIE ROACH said the only way for Manny Pacquiao to look impressive against Australia’s Jeff Horn on July 2 is to score a knockout.
“I do believe we can knock this guy out. We have the tools to do that,” Roach said in his first appearance at the weekly Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum on Tuesday at the Golden Phoenix Hotel in Pasay City.
Roach said scoring a knockout at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane will help Pacquiao sell his remaining fights.
Pacquiao will turn 39 in December and, with his senatorial duties, retirement can’t be too far away.
Roach is still hoping that a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. will take place before the end of the day.
“I think Manny will have to look good in this fight to get to Mayweather, because if Mayweather is deciding whom he’d fight next I’d like that to be us,” said Roach during the forum, presented by San Miguel Corp., Golden Phoenix Hotel, Accel and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
Mayweather is enjoying his retirement from boxing but has hinted many times that he might soon fight again and seek his 50th win inside the ring—and it could be against UFC superstar Conor McGregor.
“I’m looking to please all the fans and the way to do that is score a knockout. If he [Pacquiao] has lost the killer’s instinct, I’d like that to come back,” Roach said.
Training for the Horn fight kicked to high gear also on Tuesday with the inclusion of Mexican Adrian Young (24-3) as Pacquiao’s new sparring partner.
Since two Saturdays ago, the 38-year-old Pacquiao has sparred 20 rounds against two Filipinos.
“We have a new sparring partner from Mexico. It will be interesting,” said Roach, who bared plans to move the camp to General Santos City on Sunday.
He maintained his suggestion that Pacquiao should leave for Brisbane at least 10 days before the fight and not seven days, as the boxer wants.
Roach said Pacquiao is picking up the momentum in training.
“Progress is coming. He’s getting better and better. He sparred two days ago and he did very well. We go it back quickly,” Roach said.
Image credits: Roy Domingo