In this May 2, 2015 photo, trainer Freddie Roach, left, listens as Manny Pacquiao answers questions during a press conference following his welterweight title fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas. AP File Photo
Famed trainer Teddy Atlas believes Manny Pacquiao’s right shoulder injury was a non-factor during the so-called Fight of the Century.
In a promotional release from Top Rank, Atlas said Pacquiao’s losing performance had nothing to do with the injured shoulder the Filipino sustained during his training.
“I didn’t see any influence from injury in the Mayweather fight,” Atlas said as per Boxing Scene.
Pacquiao was diagnosed with a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder after his May 2 fight and said he wasn’t allowed to take inflammatory shots hours before the fight.
Mayweather won via unanimous decision in what was the most lucrative fight in boxing history.
“When he had to throw that hand, he did without wincing or discomfort.”
Atlas is training Timothy Bradley for his third fight against Pacquiao in what would be the potential last fight of boxing’s only eight division world champion.
They are deep in training for the April 9 bout at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, and Altas is looking to neutralize Pacquiao’s edge in speed.
He said he won’t let Bradley “allow Pacquiao to control the pace or rhythm of the fight.”