Manny Pacquiao returned from a Wednesday-long nap Thursday and gave his trainer Freddie Roach a vigorous workout at Hollywood's Wild Card Gym.
Pacquiao spent 11 rounds sparring against two opponents, flashing his brilliant ability to charge an opening and deliver either a powerful left or right uppercut.
Roach was so giddy about the performance he dressed up two days before Halloween as Batman, complete with the rock-hard abs.
Not to be outdone, Pacquiao took off his shirt and showed his abs.
Two weeks and two days away from Pacquiao's welterweight title fight against champion Miguel Cotto, Roach announced, "Miguel, the superheroes are coming to get you!"
Pacquiao's intensity is picking up after Wednesday"s lengthy nap. The gym will be closed to any public and media access until media day, Wednesday. --Lance Pugmire
Photo: Freddie Roach shows off his abs ... well, the abs in his Batman costume. Manny Pacquiao's abs are his own. Credit: Ana Garcia / Top Rank.
In a recent interview, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum - a source who would know - spoke on the fact that he finds Filipino Manny Pacquiao to be more adored and admired than the sports once lone icon, Muhammad Ali. In the same interview, trainer Freddie Roach also chimed in on his thoughts about Pacquiao, whom in his estimation has "more drawing power" than Mike Tyson.
For such a little warrior, one would think those shoes would be quite large to fill, but just as we've seen Pacquiao's weight increase in size, so has his name based on his latest heroics.
Despite the fact that there seems to be a few brewing within Team Pacquiao, no one can deny that the brave warrior has never failed to step up and seize the moment when opportunity comes knocking.
Regardless of what happens in the ring, Pacquiao's star continues to rise for various reasons, many which go well beyond the squared circle.
Muhammad Ali had core issues like politics and racism in his era to help propel him to an iconic status that remains larger than the sport. Mike Tyson had the ferocity and explosive mystique that only comes once in a lifetime, and Oscar was, and remains perhaps the biggest draw the sport has ever seen among women worldwide with those golden looks.
For Manny Pacquiao, there seems to be a union of all three elements, yet on a smaller scale.
His explosive nature in the ring (ala Mike Tyson) is surely a claim to fame, as evidenced every time he squares off. With regards to his political impression, many in his country are not truly sold on his aspirations, but in another sense, those same people support him, because he's in the fact an ambassador, and technically the face of his entire country.
That point alone sheds light on why he is who he is. Michael Jordan was a global icon and so is Tiger Woods, but neither man serve as the face of their country.
In the case of Manny Pacquiao, not only is he that global icon, but when you think Philippines, you think Manny Pacquiao, earning him a status that no other athlete on the planet today has.
So, in the end, we can question his worldwide status, but every time you see the Filipino flag wave, the fact that you think of him without his face being on it can only serve as perhaps the best and only answer.
My parting thoughts to both his critics and supporters.....Enjoy him while you can....This type of phenomenon only comes around once a generation, or perhaps even once in a lifetime.
There is no doubt Floyd "Money" Mayweather has a tremendous amount of talent and charisma. Although he is one of the most popular fighters in this sport.It seems as if his huge ego has pushed many of his boxing fans away. His persona of being "Money" Mayweather has overshadowed his skills as a talented fighter.
Not only is he losing fans with his arrogance. He continues to lose respect as a fighter. We all know that he has an unblemished 40-0 record. The opponents he has defeated Judah, De La Hoya, Hatton, and Marquez, to name a few are all good fighters in their own right.
The reality is Mayweather cherry picking opponents especially the smaller, older, slower ones he can handle with ease, gains him zero respect from the boxing community. Is he more concerned with maintaining his perfect record and making money than challenging top tier fighters?
Mayweather will continue to lose the respect of true boxing fans as long as he continues to evade real threats. The fight everyone has been waiting for Pacquiao vs. Mayweather this would be a true battle of kingship. In order to gain the fans respect you must face the elite. Right now Pacquiao is the elite.
I know that Mayweather's fans may disagree but its not about records its about respect in this sport. Does Mayweather really want to go down in history as an undefeated fighter that feared challenging the best of his era?
When Mayweather retired many boxing fans felt he was the pound for pound king. Many things have changed since he retired including the sergeancy of the boxing warrior Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather should have chosen a caliber fighter, like Pacquiao or Williams, as a come back fight. Choosing a fighter like Marquez for a comeback fight didn't help him reprise his role as the pound for pound king.
Hopefully Marquez was a warm up fight and he is awaiting the outcome of Pacquaio vs.Cotto. Maybe then he will make a decision and challenge Pacquiao. Especially if Pacquiao's fight against Cotto looks better than his fight with Marquez. It doesnt look immediately realistic that we will see Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.
Pacquiao has the respect of fans because he is fearless taking on dangerous opponents. No one is disputing Mayweather's skills as a boxer. Mayweather has so many weapons iron clad defense,incredible speed, and is an excellent counter puncher. He is one of the best in this sport, but he will continue to lose the dignity and respect of boxing fans if he refuses to put his skills to the test against the best.
Freddie Roach has somewhat succeeded in getting under Miguel Cotto’s skin.
Less than a week after Roach told the Filipino press that he is placing a $1,000 bet on a first-round knockout win by Manny Pacquiao, Cotto lashed back at the famed American trainer, boasting that “Roach is going to eat his words” on November 14 in Las Vegas.
“It’s going to be a tough battle, but I can assure you that in the end I am going to leave (the ring) victorious,” Cotto told Primera Hora as he was wrapping up his training camp in Tampa, Florida, en route to Sin City.
“I don’t care what Freddie says. The best that he can do is help Manny Pacquiao reach his best form. I will not mind Roach. He talks a lot,” said the obviously slighted Puerto Rican puncher.
Team Cotto, made up of head trainer Joe Santiago, conditioning coach Phil Landman, cutman Joe Chavez, aide-de-camp Bryan Perez, lawyer Gabriel Penagaricano and key members of the Cotto clan, are flying to Las Vegas on Sunday.
Perez said Cotto will stay in a rented house at first but will transfer to the MGM Grand on fight week and train at the Top Rank Gym.
Cotto spent six weeks in Tampa and Perez described the entire training period as “excellent” and “great camp.”
Cotto, who turned 29 on Thursday, said he can’t wait for the scheduled 12-round catch weight title bout to take place, stressing that he is in tip-top shape and ready to rumble.
“We are prepared for whatever he (Pacquiao) will bring to the ring,” added Cotto.
Meanwhile, Cotto will hold an open media workout at the Pound-4-Pound Gym at La Brea in Los Angeles on Tuesday, according to Top Rank publicist Lee Samuels.
WBA heavyweight champ Nikolay Valuev says he’s going to dominate in the ring during his bout against Britain’s David Haye on November 7.
The 2.13-meters tall giant has finished a series of sparring matches ahead of the fight to take place in Bern, Switzerland.
In an interview with Sportbox.ru, he said he’s well prepared for any surprises his rival – whom he called “an experienced and dangerous fighter” – may have in store for him.
"We worked through various options. The aim of every boxer is to dictate his terms in the ring. This is what I am going to do against Haye,” the 36-year-old said.
David Haye (22-1, 22 KOs) is a former undisputed cruiserweight champion, who gave up all his titles to pursue his ambitions in the heavyweight division. The Brit is famous not only for his boxing skills, but also his loud mouth.
He called Valuev a “circus freak” and he suspects that he will smell bad. The Russian Giant has ignored all the insults, saying the scores will be settled in the ring and he “doesn’t care” that it will be Haye’s first fight as a heavyweight.
Valuev’s bout with Ruslan Chagaev was cancelled last May, due to a preliminary blood test discovering that the Uzbek boxer had hepatitis, which means the Beast from the East last appeared in the ring on December 20, 2008.
“I do not regret that I had such a long break. It certainly didn’t affect me in worst sense. In fact, I became even better,” he said.
Valuev (50-1, 34 KOs) defended his WBA title against four-time heavyweight champion of the world Evander Holyfield, beating the 46-year-old on points.
“The bout with Holyfield was very interesting. Perhaps one of the best fights of my career. I'll remember it for life,” he remembered.
by Anson Wainwright, 29 October 2009, 15rounds.com
On Saturday in Las Vegas Joseph “King Kong” Agbeko 27-1(22) will make the third defence of his IBF Bantamweight title against mandatory challenger Yonnhy Perez in the main event on Showtime. He won the crown back in 2007 when he beat Luis Alberto Perez for the title with an eye opening seventh round win. He didn’t fight then until the end of 2008 when as co feature to Adamek-Cunningham he retained his title in a barn burner against William Gonzalez. The big opportunity for Agbeko 29, came when he was matched with Vic Darchinyan back in July and though he was the underdog he showed tremendous grit and won a fan friendly decision. Here’s what Agbeko had to say from his suite in Treasure Island.
Hello Joseph, welcome to 15rounds.com
Anson Wainwright - Firstly you’ll be headlining a show in Las Vegas at Treasure Island against Yonnhy Perez. That looks a very interesting fight. How do you see it?
Joseph Agbeko - I feel very good, I feel happy. I feel happy to be in Vegas.
Anson Wainwright - How are you enjoying Las Vegas?
Joseph Agbeko - Yeah was good. The Boxing gym is very good here.
Anson Wainwright - How close to weigh are you now?
Joseph Agbeko - I’m already on my weight, maybe even below.
Anson Wainwright - There has been a lot of bad blood between you in the past week or so. What can you tell us about this?
Joseph Agbeko - Yonnhy is a good fighter, he’s a nice person. Nothing personal.
Anson Wainwright - How much has beating Vic Darchinyan helped improve your confidence?
Joseph Agbeko - Ohhh I was confident before Vic Darchinyan. I was confident I would beat him.
Anson Wainwright - The neighbourhood in Accra Ghana that has the reputation for Boxing is Bukum. Is that where you are from?
Joseph Agbeko - I grew up in a neighbourhood in the Volta region and i was part of the Ewe tribe it’s close to Bukom.
What can you tell us about it there and how it was growing up and how that path took you into Boxing?
Joseph Agbeko - Yeah was cool it was cool over there. That’s where we have all the boxing gyms. It was very good there.
Anson Wainwright - Since turning pro in 1998 you’ve not had an easy ride to the top and had to work very hard for what you have today. Fighting all over the world including Benin, South Africa, Germany, Britain & now America. What can you tell us about this journey?
Joseph Agbeko - Yeah, I’m always in condition with myself . I can say fighting the likes of Johannes Maisa, Cedric Conway, Wladimir Sidorenko, Luis Alberto Perez, , William Gonzalez & Vic Darchinyan. I have fought a couple of guys who are very very good fighters and been able to beat them. I believe I’m the best Bantamweight so far.
Anson Wainwright - Can you tell us abit about your team. Your manager, trainer, promoter and other people who help out?
Joseph Agbeko - Yeah I have Don King as my promoter he’s the main man pushing me high. I’m very very happy to be with Don King production company. I’m so happy. My trainer is Adama Addy and my manager is Vinny Scolpino. It’ a good team & everything is working good for us.
Anson Wainwright - You now live in The Bronx in New York how does that compare to Accra?
Joseph Agbeko - Ahhh living in the Bronx is like living in Ghana. I always feel at home because we have a laugh. I always feel comfortable. It’s like a home away from home.
Anson Wainwright - Finally do you have a message for your fans ahead of next weeks fight with Yonnhy Perez?
Joseph Agbeko - I want to thank everyone for there support and being there for me. I’ve trained very hard for this fight. I’m going to go in the ring on Saturday and win for them. So they can always be proud of me and I wont let them down.
Thanks for your time Joseph and good luck in your upcoming fight.
Muhammad Ali had it. Ken Norton did not. Sugar Ray Leonard had it. Thomas Hearns did not. Mike Tyson had it. Lennox Lewis did not. Oscar De La Hoya had it. Pernell Whitaker did not. Manny Pacquiao?
The question spikes Pacquiao’s date with Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand with a potent shot of intrigue that turns an already-interesting fight into a potential game-changer for the boxing business.
Can Pacquiao cross over and capture the public imagination in a way that makes the casual fan stop, talk and pay to watch?
Crossover stardom is hard to measure. Like former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart when asked about another business in the red-light district, however, I know it when I see it. I’ve seen it in Pacquiao for years, or at least since he climbed through the ropes in 2005 smiling like a kid on a playground swing and then talked referee Joe Cortez out of a mid-round stoppage for a nasty cut in a fight he lost by decision to Erik Morales.
Pacquiao is genuine, vulnerable and dangerous all at once. The mix is as compelling as it is unlikely. The way in which it is expressed can also be as different as Tyson, the looming train wreck, and De La Hoya, the well-appointed luxury suite.
What I’m not sure of, however, is whether Americans care. A wise friend bet me that Home Box Office won’t generate as much pay-per-view income for Pacquiao-Cotto, Filipino-versus-Puerto Rican, as it did on Sept. 19 for Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Juan Manuel Marquez, American-versus-Mexican. It was a lousy fight, but the pay-per-view milestone, one million customers, is a big victory for Mayweather, much bigger than his one-sided win over Marquez. My friend’s contention is that Americans want to see American fighters.
Maybe.
Maybe, Mayweather’s pay-per-view triumph says exactly that. If so, then Pacquiao will be more like Pele than a De La Hoya. There is plenty of international kick in that. But Pele, a Brazilian, is as popular in America as soccer is or never has been.
In an internet-connected world turning into a global village, however, I’m betting that Americans have begun to notice Pacquiao. His promoter, Bob Arum, introduced a conference call Wednesday by saying that Pacquiao-Cotto is generating interest he hasn’t detected since Leonard, Hearns, Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran put some buzz in to the 1980s. The reason, Arum says, is the emergence of Pacquiao’s crossover appeal to people who measure everything they know of boxing by what they remember about Ali.
“I’m just noticing it now,’’ Arum said a few weeks ago during a visit to Cotto’s training camp in Tampa.
Arum said he was in a fashionable Manhattan restaurant, the Monkey Bar, when a couple of celebrity diners, broadcast journalist Charlie Rose and editor Norman Pearlstine, talked about Pacquiao as though he were an emerging market.
During the conference call, there was talk that Pacquiao is poised to become one of history’s five best. Argue over three or four, but Ali would have to be one of them, in large part because of his larger-than-life role in the culture wars of the 1960s and ‘70s.
“Ali was a proponent of a political position and also became a spokesman for the civil rights movement at the time when it was really emerging,’’ said Arum, a former promoter for the iconic ex-heavyweight champ who Friday at his home in Phoenix celebrates the 35th anniversary Friday of his 1974 victory over George Foreman in Zaire. “Ali had a tremendous political impact, particularly his stance on the Viet Nam War. When he came back to fight, people just idolized him.
“Manny does not have that major political statement because he is not controversial. But he is engaged in politics in the Philippines. Everything that he does is pro-humanity, so he is rather loved in the Philippines, the United States and all over the world. …I have never seen anything like the adulation that he is treated by Filipinos all over the world. That is something that even Ali never even really had.’’
For Arum’s generation and my own, Ali’s politics echo down through the decades. In the ring and out of it, Ali’s timing was perfect, although I will forever blame him for Floyd Mayweather Sr.’s poetry. A bygone era wanted a rebel and it got one in Ali.
In a current era plagued by uncertainty heightened by a troubled economy, Pacquiao, surrounded by worshipping fans when he arrived in Los Angeles from Manila a few days ago, is also a man for his times. He is a lousy interview. He doesn’t say much. But these are noisy days. Everybody seems to have a web site or talk show. It would be easy, if not redundant, to just be another noise maker. While the rest of us talk and write about what we should do, shouldn’t do, won’t do and might do, Pacquiao reassures with action. He looks like somebody who knows what to do. Imagine that.
In the final accounting, however, I’m not sure it will matter. I’ve watched Ali interact with the public at various times and places in Phoenix. Parkinson’s has silenced him. The rhyme, the original rap, is gone. But it doesn’t matter. He never fails to attract a crowd, including kids who think Viet Nam is a neighborhood restaurant that specializes in Asian fusion. They don’t care or don’t know if Ali stood against a controversial war.
They just see somebody who, at 67, is as genuine as he was when he was 27. He can’t hide that.
Neither can Pacquiao.
NOTES, QUOTES
· Kudos to light-heavyweight Chad Dawson for dedicating his Nov. 7 rematch against Glen Johnson in Hartford, Conn., to slain UConn football player Jasper Howard. “One of the things that Chad is behind, as well as all of my fighters, is keeping violence inside the ropes,’’ promoter Gary Saw said Thursday. “We have T-shirts that say that. It’s on the web site. If they want fight or feel violent or whatever, then let them to lace up the gloves. Real men wear gloves.’’
· More Dawson: The 27-year-old might be a star in waiting. Eventually, the plan is for him to be a heavyweight. “He will absolutely be the heavyweight champion,’’ predicted Shaw, who first might have him drop back down to super-middleweight for a shot at the Super Six tournament title if – as expected – retires Taylor withdraws. Dawson’s eligibility for Taylor’s spot hinges on negotiations with HBO, Shaw said.
· And Pacquiao’s regimen includes getting hit with a stick while doing sit-ups. The idea and the stick comes from Thailand, where trainers use it to toughen up their fighters. “It deadens the nerves so you can absorb a punch better,’’ Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said. Although Pacquiao has employed and apparently enjoyed the training method for years, Roach concedes he is not altogether comfortable with the tactic. “If somebody is going to hit me with a stick, they better bring a big one,’’ Roach said.
MANNY PACQUIAO, FREDDIE ROACH and BOB ARUM Conference Call Transcript, (Tuesday, October 29, 2009)
BOB ARUM: As we come down the home stretch here I know everybody is excited. This fight has received more attention and more interest I think than any fight in the last five or ten years. I think people are really interested in this fight because there is so much to talk about – their styles and their training in the different parts of the world. Interest in boxing is due to Manny Pacquiao’s rise in the sport. Manny Pacquiao has passion and is a unique fighter. He just won the very prestigious Gusi Peace Prize given out in Asia and of the 17 people that have received this award he is the only athlete. That is great for the sport and congratulations. Freddie Roach is now the model for all trainers and people now realize he is the best trainer in the world and it is a great privilege for me to introduce to both of you Manny Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach.
FREDDIE ROACH: Training camp is going very well. We had four really good weeks in Baguio. There were a couple of typhoons that came our way but we didn’t miss a beat. We had really good sparring then we went back to Manila and it was intense because we had quite a few distractions so we had to break camp early. Now we are back at the Wild Card and Manny boxed great yesterday and had ten good rounds and he’s about 95% there right now and we are ready to go.
MANNY PACQUIAO: Thanks to all the fans. We are getting ready for a great fight on November 14th. I am very excited for this fight. It is going to be a great, great fight.
This would be your 7th division title – can you tell us about that?
MANNY PACQUIAO: First it is a very big honor for me and for the people in my country and I am honored to be fighting for another world championship. That is why I am very hungry for doing this fight because it is the first time in the history of boxing to win a title in seven different weight divisions.
FREDDIE ROACH: Fighting Miguel Cotto for a seventh world title is going to be unbelievable because Manny is a throwback. He is like a Henry Armstrong type. You don’t have fighters like that today that move up in weight like this to win championships in all of these different weight divisions. He is carrying his punch and his power with him along with his speed. He is just getting better and better in the ring. This is just one of the greatest achievements ever. He is passing people like Sugar Ray Leonard who was a six-time world champion, Tommy Hearns. He is in the level of the top 5 fighters of all time of any era.
Can he go any higher?
FREDDIE ROACH: I don’t think so. For him to fight at 147 we have to feed him 5 times a day to keep the weight on him. I think this will be our final stop but you never know. If something comes at 154, maybe we’ll go there.
Talk about the popularity of Manny?
FREDDIE ROACH: Even Mike Tyson didn’t have the drawing power that Manny Pacquiao has right now. Mike was always the biggest guy training and the attention was always there at the airports but the way Manny Pacquiao arrived the other day I never saw a crowd like that. People were swarming to try to get a touch or a look at Manny Pacquiao. His countrymen love him and he is a great inspiration for his country. That’s why we trained there for the first four weeks of this training camp and we had a great time there. It worked out very well. The people appreciated it and we appreciate them.
What do you attribute that to?
FREDDIE ROACH: He brightens up a room. He’s got class and a great smile. Manny Pacquiao is an endearing person and he is a great fighter. He is all action and he gives 100% every time.
Was 24/7 accurate in the depiction of disagreements in camp?
FREDDIE ROACH: There were no disagreements in camp. I just felt it was urgent that we do get out of there before the typhoon hit. I was worried about the safety of the sparring partners and Manny and the team and myself. I was just very concerned that the typhoon was going to come quicker than it did. Manny was more relaxed about it and I told him that I would be waiting in Manila for him just trying to get him motivated to go. That night at midnight he got motivated for me to go and he called me and said “let’s go.” So we left at midnight and went right to Manila.
Sparring with Porter, Antillon and Castillo…
FREDDIE ROACH: Well, Shawn Porter has a great left hook and puncher and we used him quite a bit with Manny and we worked on getting away from that shot and he worked out really well for us. And of course Jose Luis Castillo, he has experience and he knows how to box. We are just getting ready for Miguel Cotto and whatever he brings. If he wants to box us or he wants to fight us, we’re ready for both and we had really good sparring. We still have good sparring and the guys are getting ready to go again tomorrow.
Is it safe to say Miguel Cotto will be the biggest challenge of his career?
FREDDIE ROACH: I don’t know if it is his biggest challenge. We have fought some great fighters like Morales, Marquez and Oscar De La Hoya. He’s a very good fighter and he is champion of the world. Manny is moving up a weight class but we fought Oscar at this weight. I am very confident in my guy and we are 100% ready for the fight. I feel like Manny, with the power he is punching with right now at this weight I feel that he is going to knock Cotto out. I look forward to the win.
How does Manny compare to those such as Ali and De La Hoya?
BOB ARUM: Ali was a proponent of a political position and also became a spokesman for the civil rights movement at the time when it was really emerging into everybody’s vision, so Ali had a tremendous political impact, particularly his stance on the Viet Nam war and when he came back to fight, people just idolized him. Manny Pacquiao does not have that major political statement because he is not controversial but he is engaged in politics in the Philippines and everything that he does is very pro-humanity, so he is rather loved by people in the Philippines, the United States and all over the world. To that extent he has really crossed over to the American public. People know who Manny Pacquiao is and he is genuinely admired. But I have never seen anything like the adulation that he is treated by Filipinos in the Philippines and all over the world. That is something that even Ali never even really had – that type of frenzy, with 90 million people in the Philippines and 11 million Filipino people around the world.
As far as Oscar is concerned, Oscar was popular in the United States. He was good looking, he was charismatic and he was a good fighter. But his popularity was pretty much limited to the United States. Now that made him a lot of money but around the world he didn’t have the recognition of either of Ali or Manny.
How tough was it to train Manny in Baguio with all of the distractions?
FREDDIE ROACH: We asked people to stay away. We closed the gym down. There were no problems at all. There were no politicians bothering him trying to get his support. Those first four weeks were the best that we ever had. Manny was on fire from day 1. I thought he was trying to impress me because he knew that Baguio was far away and I wanted to stay closer to Wild Card but when he chose Baguio I thought he was just trying to show me how great it was but he never stopped. He was on fire the whole month there and we had a great camp. The weather messed with us a little bit but we ran in the rain. We went in the pool. We did what we had to do. We ran inside sometimes and we had no distractions. We had a great first month. The last week in Manila was a little tougher with the politicians trying to make meetings with Manny and pulling him in every direction they could. Those five days in Manila were not that great but the first four weeks were great.
You said Manny was ready physically but not mentally…
FREDDIE ROACH: The last day of boxing in Manila I was disappointed that he didn’t do that well because his mind was somewhere else. But he assured me everything would be great when we got to LA and we boxed yesterday and we started playing. We still had a little bit of jet lag and I didn’t expect a lot from Manny because he looked a little tired in his eyes but he gave me ten great rounds yesterday and he’s back on track and he’s very close to being ready for the fight. We’ll have two more big sparring days then we’ll start tapering off.
Manny, do you feel ready both mentally and physically for this fight?
MANNY PACQUIAO: I feel I am 100% conditioned for the fight and I can’t wait for November 14th.
How much will the fighters that Cotto has fought play into how you attack him?
FREDDIE ROACH: I have seen all the tapes on him and he makes certain adjustments when he fights a southpaw which is something that we can expect, but he never fought a guy like Manny Pacquiao -- with the speed. I think that’s where he is going to have trouble – with the speed. I don’t really think he can handle it, but we’ll see.
Do you expect him to come at you?
FREDDIE ROACH: No I don’t. I think he is going to try and be a counter-puncher and not come at us.
Is knocking out Cotto a feeling you have, like the Hatton fight?
FREDDIE ROACH: It is kind of growing on me. Working the mitts with Manny at this weight he is punching so much harder than he ever has. He is very used to it now. He is punching fast and hard now and I don’t think Cotto has enough. He is hittable and people that Manny can hit, he knocks out.
Is Cotto being hit something you have seen from the film?
FREDDIE ROACH: Definitely. The fight with Margarito of course he did take a beating in that. His first comeback fight was against an average guy and he didn’t look that great but getting knocked out for the first time takes your confidence away. He’s gaining confidence and he looked better in the Clottey fight of course, but he did try to quit in the 9th round when he was holding his eye with a real bad cut. But he sucked it up and came on and won the fight. It was a good one for him and it gave him a little more confidence back but that is our job to take that away from him right away. We are not going to let him get any confidence in this fight – we are going to start quick.
Do you feel Manny is a symbol of hope for the Filipinos?
FREDDIE ROACH: Yes. When the typhoon hit Manila pretty hard, Manny went down there on Sunday to help the people out and I asked him not to go because I thought it was dangerous. But it was his day off and he went to Manila and helped as much as he could. When the second typhoon hit, we kind of took charge a little bit and we went and spoke to the people and try to put a smile on their faces and we gave them a message from Manny of course but I made Manny stay in the hotel so he was safe so there were no problems because his fight was getting closer of course. He is so well-loved in his country and he wants to help the people and the people love him for that. It is amazing the crowds we draw. I am so popular there right now because of Manny. The people are nice to me and they treat me great. The only time they leave me alone is when Manny comes so sometimes I am happy when he is there.
Manny, how do you feel about the people being affected by these natural disasters?
MANNY PACQUIAO: I felt so bad. I do have to focus on my training because I have to prepare. But I try to help the people in my country as much as I can.
How do you feel that this will be the first true welterweight that Manny is fighting? We all know Oscar wasn’t throwing that hard that day…
FREDDIE ROACH: Before the fight everybody said Oscar was going to kill Manny. Why do you say that Oscar had a bad night? Why can’t you say that it was Manny having a good night?
Yes, but Miguel will probably be the hardest puncher Manny will have faced and how do you think he will deal with that if he gets hit?
FREDDIE ROACH: Miguel has a good left hook but I don’t think he is the strongest that we have faced though. Hatton was supposed to be stronger than us also. I have no worries about that because that doesn’t win fights. Boxing ability wins fights and Manny is a better boxer than him, so we’ll show it on the 14th.
How hard is it to train when your countrymen are suffering?
MANNY PACQUIAO: It is very difficult for me but I have to focus on my fight because nobody can help me in the ring. I am not only fighting for me but I am also fighting for my country.
How do you like the attention and how difficult is it to switch back to boxing?
MANNY PACQUIAO: It is my responsibility to focus on training. Of course I understand people want to take a picture and shake my hand because they are idolizing me and supporting me.
How much of a better boxer now is Manny?
FREDDIE ROACH: He is improving all the time and the thing is we are just taking the style of our opponents and making adjustments and he is improving all the time and we are making those adjustments for Cotto’s style and his big left hook and he is doing great. He is getting better and better all the time. He is going to be seven-time world champion and he is still learning, still evolving. He is very hungry to improve.
Manny, what do you have to say about Cotto?
MANNY PACQUIAO: Cotto is a bigger guy and a hard puncher and strong. He is a good fighter and a champion. For this fight it is a challenge.
How do you feel when your coach says you are going to knock him out in one round?
MANNY PACQUIAO: That is my coach’s prediction, but for me I have to focus on the fight and don’t think anything about that but if it comes it is a bonus. I always believe in my power but if I am lucky to hit a good punch against my opponent and knock him out that will mame me happy too.
If Manny knocks him out, will people say it was because Cotto was shot?
FREDDIE ROACH: Of course you will say that. That is everyone’s nature. No one likes to give credit where credit is due but I think Manny looked great in his last four fights and we are going to look great in this one too. Just put him in front of us and we’ll beat him. I think I have the greatest fighter in the world today and I think we’ll prove that again with Miguel Cotto.
MANNY PACQUIAO: It is their right for the people to think what they want. I am confident in my ability and the results of the fights.
What did Manny do when he went to help the people and what kind of effect did it have on him?
FREDDIE ROACH: It was very sad, but they brought money and they brought food and shelter and clothes. He was kind of tired when he got back. It was more mentally draining than anything for him to see the devastation. I think that 2800 people passed away in the storms so it was a very sad moment but once we got in the gym everything was fine. Manny has always been able to separate the drama of life from training in the gym.
Do you still have the $1000 in your pocket?
FREDDIE ROACH: Yes I do. If anyone can knock Manny down in sparring I will pay him $1,000. Manny was beating up on the sparring partners pretty good yesterday so it is not going anywhere.
Sparring is USA?
FREDDIE ROACH: We have some good sparring right now, Rashad Holloway, Shawn Porter and Ray Beltran. So we are getting good use out of them. Castillo and Antillon, they went home so we got some fresh guys in there to keep Manny more focused.
I read where you have told Manny to stay away from the ropes…
FREDDIE ROACH: Cotto has a very good left hook and his strength is on the ropes where he throws very good combinations and if he stays off the ropes it is going to be to our benefit. We are not reinventing the wheel; we are just adjusting to the styles of our opponents. We study them very well and we find their habits and adjust to them and Manny is very capable of doing that. He has a game plan and he sticks with it.
I understand there is a cane or stick in camp that Manny gets whacked with…
FREDDIE ROACH: It is a stick and it is from Thailand. He is not getting whacked with it. It is just a small motion. The Thai fighters use it to deaden the pain and we use it for sit-ups, but he is not getting whacked. It deadens the nerves so you can absorb a punch better. I don’t know if I agree with it 100% but Manny loves it. We have been doing it for 5 years now and it works for Manny and he loves it but if somebody is going to hit me with a stick they better bring a big one.
March 13 – is there a prospect for that fight?
BOB ARUM: We are not going to address that issue until November 15th, because this is a tough, tough fight and he is concentrating on this fight and this is where everybody should be concentrating and there is plenty of time after that date to pick out an opponent, to see who is available and to see what the lay of the land is. To do that now is absolutely counter-productive.
Manny has been knocked out twice and come back from that – what is the difference?
FREDDIE ROACH: After you get knocked out for the first time in your life you need time to get your confidence back and a couple of fights to get your confidence back and Cotto is at a good time because he is definitely getting better. When you are undefeated and you get knocked out in a hard fight it is going to take something out of you. His first fight back he didn’t look that good and the second fight he looked better – he’s getting more confidence. If we give him confidence in this fight he is going to get stronger and stronger and that’s why I feel we have to take it away from him right away.
BOB ARUM: You can see from the interest in this fight and you can see by the questions just how everybody believes, quite correctly, it will be a great night. I can’t wait for November 14th. There will be a lot of stuff between now and then. Miguel is going to do a workout in LA next Tuesday at the Pound-For-Pound Gym, Manny on Wednesday at the Wild Card Gym and then the week of the fight, on Monday, the principal fighter on the undercard, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr and his opponent Troy Rowland will also work out at the Pound-For-Pound Gym so press will get an opportunity to see all these great fighters as they train for the fights and interview them. This fight is great for boxing. I don’t know if you realize now the upswing that boxing is on, the fact that boxing is really on a roll. You can tell by the sponsors that are coming out to support this fight. We are really thrilled and I can say unequivocally that boxing is really back and thanks to Manny Pacquiao and thanks to the other great fighters out there, people are talking about boxing again and it is coming back to the mainstream. This all feels to me like the 80’s. We had Sugar Ray and Marvin Hagler and Roberto Duran and Tommy Hearns. We are in that era again. It is great and it’s going to help everybody who’s associated with the sport. I’m really enthusiastic, not only because I think it’s going to be a great fight, but I am enthusiastic because I can see the rebirth of boxing and that’s something that’s thrilling for me having been around boxing for so long to see that once again the great sport back and happy.
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions, MGM Grand and Tecate, Firepower: Pacquiao vs. Cotto will take place Saturday, November 14 at the sold out MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be produced and distributed Live on HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
HBO's® fast-moving reality series "24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto" returns with an all new episode This Saturday! October 31 at 11 p.m. ET/PT. The four-episode series chronicles the preparations and back stories of both fighters as they train for their November 14 pay-per-view showdown. Episode one is available on HBO ON DEMAND and HBO.com.
Soon after participating in a conference call from Los Angeles with boxing writers Wednesday at noon, Manny Pacquiao went back to his condo and fell asleep.
The six-division world champion — who will be shooting for a title in a record seventh weight class (welterweight) when he fights Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas — slept the entire afternoon and into the evening, missing a workout at Wild Card gym.
Jet lag, his publicist Fred Sternburg cited, from his flight from his native Philippines, where Pacquiao battled deadly typhoons, torrential rains and needy politicians and did humanitarian work in five weeks of training for the Cotto fight.
Jet lag can affect anyone, but there's little doubt that Pacquiao's four weeks in Baguio and five days in Manila took its toll on the fighter. His longtime trainer, Freddie Roach, says it was one of Pacquiao's best camps despite the distractions.
"We had four really good weeks in Baguio," Roach said. "We had a couple typhoons that came, but we didn't miss a beat, we had great sparring. Last week in Manila was a little tense because of lots of distractions, so we had to break camp a little early."
Roach said the biggest task in the Philippines was keeping people away from a man they idolize.
"We asked people to stay away; we closed the gym; there was no problem at all (in Baguio), no politicians bothering him," Roach said. "The weather messed with us a little, but we ran in the rain, went in the pool, ran inside sometimes ... no distractions. The last week in Manila was tough, because a lot of politicians were trying to make meetings with Manny and everyone was trying to pull him in a different direction."
Pacquiao was back sparring Thursday afternoon as Los Angeles Lakers star Ron Artest looked on. "He's back on track; he's very close to being ready for the fight," Roach said.
