Freddie Roach’s improbable losing spell continues

Freddie Roach with a losing spell. Photo by Celest R. Flores

LAS VEGAS—For someone who is used to winning, Freddie Roach is now getting accustomed to losing.

With Manny Pacquiao’s shocking knockout defeat to Juan Manuel Marquez Saturday night, the Hall of Fame trainer is now one-for-five in the last two years.

The 52-year-old Roach also saw his other elite fighters—former world champions Amir Khan and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.—drop their bouts.

It was Pacquiao’s second straight loss, following his controversial bum-decision setback to Timothy Bradley in June.

Khan also went 0-2 and left Roach for another trainer.

But Roach is sure to bounce back.

Pacquiao is expected to fight again and it’s unlikely for him to part ways with the man he’s worked with for the last 11 years.

For now, however, Roach wants to talk it over with Pacquiao.

“We don’t know how to proceed,” Roach said. “We need to get all the facts on his medical condition.”

According to Roach, he and Pacquiao will evaluate the situation so they can study their options.

“If he can do it (fight again), then why not,” the trainer said.

Roach, whose rivalry with fellow Hall of Fame trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain provided an interesting sidelight to Pacquiao-Marquez IV, will return to his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood with a heavy heart Sunday.

NOTES: Losing US presidential candidate Mitt Romney was among the 16,348 fans who watched Pacquiao-Marquez IV. As it turned out, Romney visited Pacquiao in his dugout before the bout.