Margarito’s ‘great shape’ fails to impress Roach

Reports of Antonio Margarito’s top condition have failed to impress trainer Freddie Roach, saying the Mexican should really be in great physical shape for his Nov. 13 showdown with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. 

“Who cares? He’s getting ready for a world title fight. That’s what he’s supposed to be, in great shape,” said Roach Sunday in a talk with Lem Satterfield, boxing editor of AOL FanHouse and news editor of BoxingScene.com. 

“If he doesn’t get ready, then he’s a fool. He’s doing what he’s supposed to do,” added Roach. 

Well-known boxing writer Dough Fischer had said after a recent visit to see Margarito train that the Mexican appeared a little faster than before and seemed to be in great physical condition. 

There were other reports that Margarito looked relaxed and confident and was just four or five pounds over the agreed catch-weight of 151 pounds while Pacquiao, on the other hand, was a mere 146 pounds. 

Roach said he’s not bothered even if Margarito climbs the ring at 175 lb for his fight with Pacquiao for the WBC super welterweight title at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. 

He remained confident that Pacquiao’s skill, his speed and remarkable punching power will be the key in the Filipino’s quest for an eighth world title in eight separate weight divisions. 

The celebrated trainer also sought to downplay the distractions in Pacquiao’s training in Los Angeles, saying they were fewer than in the Philippines. 

Pacquiao drove to San Diego to coach his ragtag basketball team against a team of high school kids last Sunday. 

One San Diego resident told the Inquirer the tickets cost $40 and Manny was not in a particularly good mood and merely scribbled his name on a boxing glove when the fan asked for his autograph. 

After training last Friday, he flew to Las Vegas to attend a campaign rally for Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, a close friend of Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum.