“We have done everything possible to make that happen.” expressed Freddie Roach Thursday in New York City for the Pacquiao-Algieri press tour. “It’s not our choice anymore, we have done all we can. It’s all on [Mayweather]” Roach added. For the past 8 years, the idea of a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight has loomed large, but after negations stalled in 2010, the world seemingly expected the fight would never be made. So with all the talk of Mayweather and Pacquiao one wonders if things may be closer than most expected.
When asked if Mayweather picks and chooses his foes, Roach simply said “Of Course!” Roach would then elaborate on that statement. “That’s why he picked the rematch to this fight which doesn’t merit a rematch. That fight wasn’t controversial or close, he is going to just outbox the guy and put me to sleep again.”
Roach who is no fan of the Mayweather style had subtle hints that Mayweather is not the most fan friendly fighter and appeared annoyed by Mayweather avoiding the topic of Pacquiao prior to his fight against Marcos Maidana a week from Saturday. “[Mayweather] wanted the blood test; we gave him the blood test. He wanted the 60/40 split, we said okay. What else is there, he wants to fight in Vegas, okay,” said Roach who seemed dumbfounded at how Mayweather could not accept the challenge with his fighter.
Manny Pacquaio will return to the ring Saturday, November 22, at the Cotai Arena in the Venetian Macao Resort in Macau, China. It will air live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.
