Manny Pacquiao talks to his trainer Freddie Roach and strength and conditioning coach Justine Fortune inside the Wild Card gym after his training on Thursday, 23 April 205. PHOTO BY REM ZAMORA
HOLLYWOOD—If Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s camp believes that Manny Pacquiao will run out of gas, then they’re mistaken.
This was the quick retort of chief trainer Freddie Roach who dismissed Team Mayweather’s claim that a strong-starting Pacquiao will eventually fade in the later rounds and be vulnerable to set-ups and sharp counters for which their undefeated fighter is known for.
“We will never get tired in this fight,” said Roach. “We will not be like [former world champion and Mayweather spar mate] Zab Judah who never gets in shape for a fight. Manny Pacquiao does. We will never get tired. Believe me.”
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Roach has seen Pacquiao push himself to the limit in the course of their preparation for the richest fight of the century on May 2 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
A seven-time Trainer of the Year and Hall of Famer, Roach said Mayweather also lacks the power to neutralize Pacquiao’s assault.
Roach cited Mayweather’s fight against Oscar De La Hoya in 2007: “He never hurt Oscar, he didn’t knock Oscar out. He never hurt Oscar in that fight.”
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In contrast, Pacquiao made De La Hoya quit on his stool after the eighth round of their showdown in 2008.
The difference between the Mayweather of old and the present?
“He is older (38 years old) and slower,” said Roach.
With Pacquiao, 36, already in peak form, Roach finds more workouts unnecessary.
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“He trains on Tuesday and Wednesday and that’s it,” said Roach.
“I like him to rest so his weight gets up.”
Pacquiao is expected to check in between 146 and 147 pounds during the official weigh-in on Friday and rehydrate to 150 or 151 lb. Mayweather, on the other hand, will likely weigh in at an exact 147 lb before bulking up to around 160 lb on fight night.