Pacquiao will KO ‘Money,’ says Roach

HONG KONG—Back in 2012, Freddie Roach thought that a Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather encounter would be anybody’s fight.

Now, Roach is convinced that Pacquiao will win by knockout over Mayweather.

Roach, a six-time Trainer of the Year who is now enshrined in boxing’s Hall of Fame, based his analysis on the two boxing giants’ recent performances.

Pacquiao’s six-knockdown demolition of Chris Algieri on Sunday and Mayweather’s twin victories, both by unanimous decision, over Carlos Maidana of Argentina this year.

“Yes, Pacquiao will beat Floyd with his performance against Algieri,” Roach told Filipino sportswriters after the postfight conference. “You know, Floyd about two years ago, I thought it’s about even. Now I think Manny will knock him out.”

‘Floyd’s legs are shot’

Roach’s reason: “Floyd can’t run like he used to. He can’t move, his legs are shot, he’s a washed-up, old fighter. We’ll knock out Floyd.”

In contrast, Roach said he saw the extra bounce in Pacquiao’s leg and the added snap of his punches against Algieri.

Though he’s turning 36 on Dec. 17, Pacquiao showed he can still go the full 12 rounds without losing his speed and power.

Unlike in his previous fights, Pacquiao did not suffer leg cramps against Algieri, who back-pedaled after getting tagged early, as Roach had predicted.

“Manny did well and hopefully, the Mayweather fight happens. I look forward at getting him ready for that (Mayweather fight).”

While Mayweather, 37, holds an immaculate 47-0 record, he isn’t noted for punching power with only 26 stoppages to show.

Roach said Mayweather’s fear of tasting a first defeat is the main reason why the five-division world champion who holds World Boxing Association and World Boxing Council welterweight and super welterweight titles is reluctant to fight Pacquiao.

“Floyd, we’re coming for you,” Roach said.