‘Mayweather avoids Pacquiao, Cotto’

Freddie Roach. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach has gotten tired of hearing Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s hoard of excuses in avoiding a fight with Manny Pacquiao.

Now, the five-time Trainer of the Year expects a familiar refrain from Mayweather as he tries to avoid a collision with Puerto Rican legend Miguel Cotto.

“I think he won’t fight any of my guys,” Roach told fightsaga.com on Monday.

Roach is referring to his prized ward Pacquiao, the only world champion in eight weight classes, and the resurgent Cotto, who became his country’s first four-division titlist following a 10th-round stoppage of Argentine Sergio Martinez Saturday night.

“I don’t think Mayweather will fight Cotto after seeing this performance,” said Roach. “He’ll come up with some excuse why he shouldn’t.”

Roach does not cite fear as the main reason why Mayweather continues to avoid Pacquiao, the World Boxing Organization welterweight titlist, and Cotto, the World Boxing Council middleweight champion.

After studying Mayweather’s hard-earned victory over Argentine Carlos Maidana last month, Roach believes Mayweather is no longer the savvy, crafty boxer he used to be.

“I think Floyd’s legs are gone,” Roach said. Roach said the real reason why Mayweather “traded leather” with Maidana, rather than used his mobility, was “he just can’t (run).”

Mayweather beat Cotto in a 154-pound clash two years ago, when Roach wasn’t in the Puerto Rican’s corner yet. Now Roach sees the 33-year-old banger knocking out Mayweather if they fight again.

Roach’s “my guys” actually includes Russian Ruslan Provodnikov, Pacquiao’s former sparring partner and WBO light welterweight champion who is regarded as a tougher brawler than Maidana.