Roach, Pacquiao to craft new game plan vs Mayweather

Roach confirms they already signed the contract

MANILA, Philippines – Famed American trainer Freddie Roach admitted that he and Manny Pacquiao would have to make some changes in their training when they prepare for the mega fight against Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

“This is completely opposite of the [Miguel] Cotto fight, opposite of the [Ricky] Hatton fight, and opposite from the [Oscar] de la Hoya fight,” Roach told Brad Cooney of 8countnews.com. “We will come up with a new game plan, a 10 week camp, and some changes. We will work on setting traps and taking Floyd's speed away from him.”

Roach added: “It's a difficult fight, it's the most difficult style for us to go against because he is a runner and a counter puncher.”

The two-time Trainer of the Year recipient also disclosed that the fight is official on their end as Team Pacquiao already signed the contract.

“I don't know if they officially signed, but we have,” he said.

Pacquiao and Mayweather are set to face off on March 13 at a venue to be announced. Las Vegas is said to be the frontrunner in the hunt for the venue. The press conference for the fight will be held on January 11 in the United States.

‘Best fighting the best’

Roach went on to share his thoughts on the match that is being touted as the “Fight of the Century.”
“It's the best fighting the best right now. People can say what they want, but he's very good at what he does. He's not an exciting fighter, but he's good at what he does,” he said.

Pacquiao, the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, has a record of 50-3-2, with 38 knockouts.

Mayweather, the current No. 2 pound-for-pound king (who previously held the top pound-for-pound spot), holds a clean 40-0 record with 25 KOs.

“Floyd is not an offensive guy he's a very defensive fighter, but defense doesn't win fights, offense does. We will excel in those areas, and we can match his hand-speed. Mayweather is very clever, it's a challenge for both men,” the trainer continued.

Fight preparations

According to Roach, they will be working hard to prepare for the undefeated American fighter.

“Let's face it, he's never been beat. We are going to come up with a great game-plan, I know my guy can do it. We will get in shape and we will try to make it as exciting as possible.”

He said he plans to train Pacquiao for one month in the Philippines and another month in Los Angeles, California.

He earlier stated that he wants his other ward, World Boxing Association (WBA) light welterweight champion Amir Khan, to spar with the Filipino boxing sensation.

Another honor

Meanwhile, Roach is slated to receive another honor before he gets back to business with training the pound-for-pound king.

Roach will be feted a commemorative custom-made belt during the World Boxing Council (WBC) Legends of Boxing Christmas Toy Drive, reported Ed de la Vega of PhilBoxing.com.

Roach, who will serve as the event’s guest of honor, will be recognized for his achievements in boxing.

The WBC Legends of Boxing will be held on December 20 at Rudy’s Grill in Los Angeles, California.