By Miguel Rivera
Manny Pacquiao's trainer over the past 16 years, Freddie Roach, is advising his fighter to retire from boxing in the aftermath of a rematch with WBO welterweight world champion Jeff Horn, which may or may not happen.
Back in July in Brisbane, Horn (17-0-1, with 11 KO's) shocked the sport by winning an unexpected twelve round unanimous decision, although viewed as controversial, over Pacquiao (59-7-2, 38 KO's), who will turn 39 in December.
The Australian superstar is scheduled to face Gary Corcoran in a voluntary defense in Brisbane on December 13 in a fight that will be broadcast by ESPN.
Pacquiao appears to be on the slide, and Roach is hoping that the eight division champion, should he beat Horn in a rematch, walks away from the sport. He does not want to see Pacquiao fight anyone outside of Horn or against any other fighter beyond Horn.
"I hope that he goes forward with that fight and that after it, he retires from boxing," said Roach to ESPN Deportes.
"It is a fight that is supposed to take place next year, and the date could not be set due to Manny's work, regarding his duties within politics in his position as senator."
The rematch was actually set to take place this year, in November, but it was pushed back after Pacquiao withdrew from the contest after citing conflicts with his political work schedule in the Philippines.
"I have talked a lot about this lately with Manny about this having these dueling jobs, as a boxer and as a legislator of his country, and both demand a lot of responsibility, dedication and also a lot of time," said Roach, who concluded by saying he did not want see Pacquiao tumbling in a sport that elevated him to the category of legend.
"I could not conceive seeing Pacquiao in a secondary position, other than as a world champion."