By Steve Kim
Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach was in the corner the last time Floyd Mayweather was involved in a supposed 'Fight of the Century', which was in 2007. Roach was the lead trainer for Oscar De La Hoya, who ended up losing a twelve round split decision to Mayweather.
But this experience in the opposite corner versus Mayweather is invaluable says Roach.
Roach gets a second chance on May 2nd, when Pacquiao faces Mayweather at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas - with the WBO/WBC/WBa welterweight titles at stake.
"I do have a good advantage because I lost to him against Oscar, but Oscar won the first six rounds and he lost the second six rounds and I know why he did that. I know exactly why he blew the last six rounds in that fight," he said earlier this week at the Wild Card Boxing Club, before 'the Pac Man' arrived for his day's work.
"So I know Oscar and Manny aren't the same but the thing is - I know how he won that fight. I know how he sets traps and he's very clever. He sets traps and if you walk into the trap - you'll get hit."
Mayweather is a master counter-puncher and it's clear that a focus of the camp - which is extremely private compared to the past - is to not give him certain openings.
Roach states - "Manny Pacquiao will identify when he's setting the trap and he won't fall for it. He hasn't failed me once in training, yet."
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.
