Boxing
Freddie Roach says that Manny Pacquiao chose Errol Spence over Mikey Garcia
Subscribe to DAZN now
Freddie Roach, the long-time trainer of Manny Pacquiao, insists that his fighter has gone all out in his preparations for next month’s eagerly anticipated showdown with Errol Spence.
The legendary Filipino is aiming to enhance his legacy even further against Spence and Roach is impressed that his charge selected Spence as his next opponent.
“He wasn’t my first choice,” said Roach to Yahoo Sports on the selection of Spence as Pacquiao’s next opponent. “I was leaning toward Mikey Garcia, because he challenged us several times and so forth. When Manny picked Spence, I said, ‘Congratulations, you picked the best guy out there.’”
With the fight official for August 21st, Pacquaio fights for the first time in over two years since his memorable win over Keith Thurman in the summer of 2019.
In Spence, Pacquiao is up against one of the sport’s best fighters and Roach has ensured that Pacquaio’ training camp will give him the best chance possible of causing a minor upset.
“We started early because this is one of the toughest guys out there and we really needed the time to get ready. I hired some really good sparring partners and then I fired some really good sparring partners and hired even better guys.
“I’m doing everything we can to get Manny 100 percent into the fight. We still have a month to go and Manny’s getting better and better.”
Roach added, “This guy is a good puncher. He’s got to get in, hit and get out right away and you can’t just go straight right in on him. You have to use an angle.
“Manny’s been doing that quite a bit and footwork is the key to winning this fight. Manny’s footwork is better than anyone’s. He’s on his toes and he can do it for 12 rounds.”
