Freddie Roach’s Choice For Next Manny Pacquiao Fight: Not Floyd Mayweather
If Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach would have his way, he will not be chasing Floyd "Money Mayweather Jr. for his ward's next bout. This is highly in contrast to what Top rank head honcho Bob Arum is pushing, the mega fight which could generate north of $250 dollars for every side involved.
"My first choice for Manny's next fight is Danny Garcia," Roach told Boxingscene.com. "I know it's out there. I would love to fight Garcia, it's a great fight for Manny at 140 or 147."
With Arum's Top Rank and Oscar dela Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions mending bridges, the floodgates have opened on the possibility of match-ups. Pacquiao has long been the meal ticket of Top Rank, and pairing him up with an established and undefeated fighter like Garcia is ideal for the Pacman. According to Roach, this will bring down Manny to the catch weight of 140 pounds, which is near his walk around weight.
"The thing is right now Manny is fighting at 144 for this fight. If he feels good at 144, we'll go to 140. If he doesn't then we'll go to 147. But Manny is a more natural 140 pounder. His walk around weight is 142," added Roach.
Garcia is the reigning light welterweight champion and is immaculate with 29 wins, 17 of which came via knockouts.
Talks for the mega-fight with Mayweather have been going on for more than three years now. While it has re-surfaced again with Arum's declaration that it may be consummated by spring 2015, Roach is looking at the more possible fights without need of the drama, as he noted the numerous antics of the American when it comes to finalizing a deal.
The controversial trainer also undermined boxing's best pound-for-pound fighter as he declared that his wards Pacman and Miguel Cotto are now better than the tactical counter puncher.
"I think it's a better fight [Cotto vs. Saul "Canelo" Alvarez than Mayweather vs. Pacquiao]," Roach said per Boxing News 24. "I think Floyd's a little shot right now. I see that's why he won't fight Pacquiao. That's my opinion."