Floyd Mayweather Jr. of the US reacts accusing Marcos Maidana of Argentina on September 13, 2014 at The MGM Grand, Las Vegas. Mayweather dominated with a 12 round unanimous decision over Maidana retaining his WBA Welterweight Belt and WBC Welterweight and Super Welterweight World Titles. (Photo John Gurzinski / AFP)
HOLLYWOOD—If Freddie Roach were on the opposite corner in boxing’s biggest fight in decades, he would know exactly what Floyd Mayweather Jr. should do to defeat Manny Pacquiao: Go for a knockout.
“We, the thing is, if I were on his side, that’s what I would do,” said the Hall of Fame trainer on Wednesday. “But I know his dad is very defensive. Maybe he might throw something in there. Floyd maybe working on something on his own.”
Roach feels a knockout is the only way Mayweather could get past Pacquiao on May 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
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Mayweather has criticized Pacquiao for being a little reckless. But Roach believes the undefeated American needs to have a little of the Filipino icon in him.
“That’s why [Pacquiao’s] so exciting, because he’s reckless,” said Roach. “And if [Floyd] doesn’t step up and match that, we’re going to destroy him.”
The two boxers’ fight is expected to reel in as much as $400 million, and although Mayweather (47-0) has the larger cut of the cash pie, he won’t step out of the ring a winner, says Roach.
“Floyd has never seen anything like [Pacquiao],” said Roach.
Mayweather has said that Pacquiao’s “recklessness” will be his undoing.
The American’s confidence stems from his whipping of Pacquiao tormentor Juan Manuel Marquez, the Mexican warrior who knocked out the Filipino with a well-timed right during their fourth clash more than two years ago.
But Roach feels that fight has no bearing on the coming card, especially since Mayweather will be dealing with Pacquiao for the first time.
“Manny’s side-to-side will keep him guessing,” said the trainer.
Still, Roach understands the value of a little caution to rein in the recklessness. He wants Pacquiao to be wary even if Mayweather, who is known for his defense, decides to engage.
“We can’t walk into it without protection first,” he said.
Roach’s game plan, although kept under wraps via closed sparring sessions, is to try to pin Mayweather on the ropes, where Pacquiao’s speed, power, volume and angles will break him down.
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“We’d like to get him on the ropes. His legs are a little bit older and if he goes to the ropes with Manny, I’d love that.”
Most likely, though, Mayweather will revert to what has made him one of the most successful fighters in decades.
“I think Floyd might be aggressive and come out a little quick because he had success with that earlier,” said Roach. “I do think he’s going to start quickly, I know we’re going to start quickly but I think we can maintain it for a longer period.”