Hall of Fame-bound boxing trainer Freddie Roach is considering leaving the sport for good if his ward Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao conquers American undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr. during their scheduled super fight on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 55-year-old Roach recently spoke with Connie Sison of GMA News on the possibility of going out on a high note after the biggest and richest fight in the history of boxing.

"I'm pressured, yes, because I know how important this fight is, but I don't show (Pacquiao) that," said Roach. "I'm so anxious to win this fight. I can retire after this fight and be happy as long as he wins."

The six-time Trainer of the Year selection of the Boxing Writers Association of America has his hands full in preparing the eight-division world champion Pacquiao who is currently on the third week of his rigorous training at the famed Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles California. Roach has been all praises for his ward during the first few days of slugging it out. He said that one would never know that “Pacman” has not sniffed the gym since his thorough pummelling of American Chris Algieri.

The training is being kept heavily under closed circuits with the five sparring partners of the 37-year-old congressman agreeing to non-disclosure agreements to prevent any media leaks of the strategy. Even comedian Dave Chappelle was recently held out of the practice sessions when Roach and Pacquiao talked strategy on how to conquer the world number one pound-for-pound boxer.

Pacquiao spent the first 13 days of his training on recovering and developing his strength and conditioning by going jogging and other physical drills. Now, he is already hitting the gym with fellow boxers and shared that his partners are giving him good work in terms of testing his strength with just two months remaining the big bout the whole world is anxious to witness.

While both camps have been bitter rivals for the better half of the decade, Pacquiao has laid low on slinging mud on his American rival and is letting Roach do all the talking for their side. The trainer with Irish and French-Canadian descent recently made fun of reports that Mayweather’s chef usually prepares a $1000-meal for the champion and told reporters that the heavily favoured fighter will be just getting his desserts when he faces “Pacman” on May 2.

(Youtube/GMA News and Public Affairs)

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