Pacquiao can coach but can’t play–Roach

PBA photo

Manny Pacquiao’s dream of playing in the PBA Philippine Cup on Oct. 19 is in jeopardy.

This after newly arrived chief trainer Freddie Roach objected to Pacquiao’s desire to play, even for a minute or two, in the KIA Sorentos’ inaugural game against Blackwater Elite at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.

Roach, however, won’t object to Pacquiao’s assuming his role as coach of the Sorentos.

“He can coach, but he can’t play (one month before the fight),” said Roach in an interview with GMA 7’s news program “24 Oras.”

“That’s our agreement.”

Roach arrived Wednesday in General Santos City from Los Angeles to take over Pacquiao’s preparations for his World Boxing Organization welterweight title defense against Chris Algieri. Roach brought along Estonia-born Stan Martyniouk and other fighters under his wing.

His physical buildup over, Pacquiao’s regimen has moved up a notch under the supervision of six-time Trainer of the Year Roach, who did the mitts with Pacquiao yesterday.

Apart from his regular morning run, Pacquiao worked out in the afternoon at his Pacman Wild Card Gym, spending three hours sweating it out with the normal routines, including plyometrics exercises conducted by strength and conditioning coach Justin Fortune.

Pacquiao is gearing up for the defense of his welterweight crown against Algieri, the WBO light welterweight titlist, on Nov. 23 in Macau.

Martyniouk (13-2, two knockouts) has been listed as one of Pacquiao’s sparring partners along with Ukrainian Viktor Postol (26-0, 11 KOs), who was unable to make Wednesday’s flight from Los Angeles.

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