Freddie Roach, the trainer of Manny Pacquiao, was on hand at the Wild Card Gym to host the media for his two fighters fighting March 7th, Zou Shiming and Glen Tapia. But what most of the media wanted to know was centered on Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
“I feel that the fight is close to being complete,” Roach told the media. “Everything I hear from people involved in the negotiations is positive. From promoters, managers, network guys, it’s all positive.
Bob Arum, who also has on hand at the media day, did the unusual and kept it close to the vest.
“I don’t know anything,” Arum told the media. Arum, not one to keep quiet was when it came to Mayweather-Pacquiao. That could be a good sign that we might get the fight we’ve been waiting on for 6 years.
But Arum said the focus is square on making the fight.
“If it doesn’t happen, we obviously have other alternatives,” said the promoter. “But as of right now, there is no Plan B, the focus is squarely on making the fight with Mayweather. We’re positive that the fight is going to happen, so there’s no need for alternatives at the moment.”
Freddie Roach is not taking any chances and is beginning his game plan.
“I’m studying tape on Mayweather right now,” vRoach said. “A lot has changed since 2009-2010 when this fight should have happened. It was probably a better fight then, but it’s still a good fight now.”
It has been reported that there is a 5 million dollar penalty for failing a drug test to which Roach said,” I’m not an expert in drug department; I’m an expert in the boxing department so ask me about that. But this is the first I heard of it, and it seems like a good idea.”
Roach is ready for anything including going head to head with Floyd Mayweather, Sr.
“I’m ready to hear his insults but it’s not going to affect me one bit. We don’t get along great. He said he wants to knock me out if we’re ever face to face. I’ll tell him to his face he’s a better boxer than me but it’s been a long time since we’ve boxed,” joked Roach.
