Manny Pacquiao, with coach Freddie Roach. AP FILE PHOTO
When Miguel Cotto lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2012, the Puerto Rican icon cited the unbeaten American’s foot speed as his major problem.
Against Manny Pacquiao, however, Mayweather may find himself being beaten in his own game.
That’s according to seven-time trainer of the year Freddie Roach, who’ll man Pacquiao’s corner when the Filipino ring icon tangles with Mayweather in their Fight of the Century on May 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas (May 3 in Manila).
“His (Pacquiao’s) legs are his biggest strength because I feel like he can move a lot better than Floyd can,” said Roach, noting that Mayweather’s footwork is no longer what it was when he bested Cotto, who is now back at the top after enlisting his services.
READ: Roach: Pacquiao still has power, speed to KO Mayweather
“I think Mayweather’s gonna have trouble with the side to side movement. I love being in this fight, I know we’re in a must-win situation but the thing is, I’m very confident that we’re gonna win this fight,” Roach told ontheropesboxing.com.
Roach sees Pacquiao not only changing Mayweather’s 0 into an X. The boxing Hall of Famer believes his prize ward will eventually stop his pound-for-pound for rival in the welterweight title unification bout.
“I think Manny will win by knockout,” Roach said. “I don’t have a round but the thing is, we have to break him down first and I think in the later rounds, I believe Manny will knock him out.”
READ: Roach: Mayweather will be Mr. 47-1 after Pacquiao fight
Roach added an early knockout is possible if Mayweather continues to wield his body jabs.
“His favorite punch is the jab to the body, I think the punch is a little bit too long, I know how to beat that punch if he does it. He might get knocked out right there.”
For more updates on Pacquiao-Mayweather “Fight of the Century,” visit The Pacquiao Files.