Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
GENERAL SANTOS City—-One last fight.
That’s what chief trainer Freddie Roach allowed Manny Pacquiao to pursue before bowing out of the ring.
According to Yahoo Sports, Roach, who is in Hawaii for relaxation, has suggested to Pacquiao that he should retire in the aftermath of his disputable loss to Jeff Horn last Sunday in Brisbane.
And, if Pacquiao really wants to fight on, “he should do a rematch with Jeff Horn before walking away from boxing for good.”
Roach, a seven-time trainer of the year, most likely reviewed the tape of Pacquiao-Horn. He also noticed Pacquiao’s slippage in the 10th round.
He urged Pacquiao, who was battering Horn in the ninth round, to pour it all in the 10th and go for the kill. Apparently exhaustion crept in on Pacquiao and he was unable to finish the job.
It pained Roach to see his masterpiece struggling against ordinary opposition.
That’s why he suggested to Manny, ‘Hey Manny, I think you should retire,’ ” Roach said.
And Pacquiao countered: “Well, what about fighting a rematch with this guy (Horn)?”
Roach, knowing that there’s gas left in Pacquiao’s tank, replied.
“‘Well, maybe a rematch, but then that’s it.’ There can be no more [fights with Floyd] Mayweather and so forth.”
According to Roach, Pacquiao wants to have that rematch as a going-away party after a 22-year ring career.
Roach consented for he know Pacquiao still has the fire and the power to exact revenge on Horn.
The last dance should be worth watching.
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