By Luis Sandoval
A few weeks ago trainer Freddie Roach made some unflattering comments regarding WBC/WBO bantamweight champion Nonito Donaire. Roach said Donaire wouldn’t stand a chance if he moved up and fought featherweight kingpin Yuriorkis Gamboa and he was either lucky or his last four opponents were just plain dumb to get knocked out with the same left hook.
When Roach spoke to Boxingscene and other members of the media at Manny Pacquiao’s open work out, he was asked what he thought of Donaire’s performance against Omar Narvaez and if he still felt Donaire was overrated.
“I never said Donaire was overrated” responded Roach. “I don’t know where that came from. Donaire is a friend of mine and I like Donaire a lot. I think he’s a great fighter”.
Donaire who is regarded as one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport, had a lackluster performance last Saturday on HBO when his opponent Narvaez refused to let his hands go and was defensive for most of the fight.
Freddie went on to give his take on the fight by saying “I think he fought a guy who had a game plan this time and the guy knew not to go right in and get hit by the hook”.
Donaire was recently on Boxingscene’s official radio show The Boxing Lab and was asked about what he thought of Roach’s initial comments. Nonito didn’t seem bothered and said the world renowned trainer was entitled to his opinion.
Looks like Roach didn’t mean any harm or disrespect with those comments as he cleared the air one final time.
“I have nothing against Donaire. I talk to Donaire all the time” said Roach. “He’s a great guy. A great champion and I wish him well”.
You can follow Luis Sandoval on Twitter @truewest007. You can also listen to Boxingscene’s official audio show The Boxing Lab every Tuesday from 6-8pm PST with hosts Ernest Gabion, Luis Sandoval and Ryan Burton.