Pacquiao best of his era, says Roach

Manny Pacquiao broke routine and huddled with his inner circle; trainer Freddie Roach, strength and conditioning coach Justine Fortune, and assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez, and call them for a prayer after training inside the WIld Card gym in Los Angeles, California, April 4, 2016. In what could be Pacquiao’s lasy fight, Roach said, ÒHeÕs the best thing that ever happened to Wild Card; heÕs the best thing that happened in my life.Ó PHOTO BY REM ZAMORA

HOLLYWOOD—There may never be another Manny Pacquiao.

As Pacquiao prepares to close the door on a illustrious career, longtime trainer Freddie Roach said once again that his prized ward is irreplaceable.

“Eight-time world champion, we’ll never see that in our lifetime. He’s one a kind,” Roach said after he watched Pacquiao spar inside his Wild Card Gym’s walls for what could be the final time on Monday.

The Hall-of-Fame trainer observed wistfully at the side of the ring as Pacquiao shadow boxed and performed routine drills before leaving for Las Vegas.

By the end of the session, Pacquiao called on his trainers to the ring as they huddled for a prayer which the Filipino icon said was a first time in their eight-week long camp.

Pacquiao, who has declared he is calling it a career after this April 9 fight, said he is fulfilled with his career which same him make his mark in the sport’s history.

“I’m happy with my accomplishments in boxing, like being the first eight division champion. That’s honor to our country,” Pacquiao said.

And that’s how Roach, who has forged a relationship with Manny that is likewise hard to match, wants Pacquiao to be remembered if he indeed turns his back on boxing.

“The greatest fighter of his decade and the eight time world champion, which we’ll never be seen again I believe in our lifetime, at least,” Pacquiao said.