Roach adamant: There is no room for an upset

LAS VEGAS—Freddie Roach has trained Manny Pacquiao to impeccable form for his fight against Shane Mosley on Saturday. And with Pacquiao in incredible shape, Roach believes a win is certain.

All Pacquiao needs is to be patient in executing the moves they have thoroughly rehearsed, revised and honed to perfection, both at the Cooyesan Gym in Baguio City and his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood.

“I don’t think there is room for an upset, but in boxing we’ll never know,” Roach told Manila-based sportswriters. “I believe that we’re ready for whatever Mosley has to offer.

Roach, who was honored by the Boxing Writers Association of America with his third straight and fifth overall trainer of the year award Friday night, said his only concern is for his prized ward to get impatient and walk in to a sucker counterpunch.

According to Roach, Pacquiao should not rush up things as Mosley is a crafty and wily ring veteran, who’s familiar with all the boxing tricks.

That’s why, Roach prefers that Pacquiao doesn’t chase Mosley whenever the challenger leans on the ropes.

Of course, Pacquiao is familiar with how to avoid it as they do it every training session.

Roach sees the first five rounds as critical because it is when Mosley is still strong and springy.

The fight plan, therefore, calls for Pacquiao to work on Mosley’s body to wear him down and throw his defenses off.

But Roach isn’t discounting an early stoppage either.

After having the best camp ever, Roach knows Pacquiao will pounce on every opportunity to knock Mosley out.