by Radio Rahim

Freddie Roach, who trains eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao (58-6-2, 38KOs), rejected the idea of facing two-time Olympic gold medal winner Vasyl Lomachenko (6-1, 4KOs) at the lightweight limit of 135-pounds.

As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, Bob Arum - who promotes both fighters under the Top Rank banner - believes that match can be done at a catch-weight between lightweight and junior welterweight. Arum believes Pacquiao could get down as low as the lightweight limit of 135 if he wanted to.

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Pacquiao, currently fighting at 147-pounds, will challenge WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas later tonight at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. In three weeks, also in Las Vegas, Lomachenko will defend his WBO super featherweight title against Nicholas Walters at the Cosmopolitan.

Lomachenko is willing to do the fight, but not at junior welterweight. At this moment right now, Lomachenko says he only walks around at 138 - and facing Pacquiao at 140 would be a step too far.

"If this fight will be at 135 weight category - I'm ready. At 135 - I'm ready. At 140, no - it's too big for me. My [walking] weight now is 138," Lomachenko explained to BoxingScene.com.

Roach was made aware of Lomachenko's comments regarding the contract weight. While Roach agrees that Pacquiao is capable of making 135, he won't allow the fight happen unless it takes place at junior welterweight.

"I know [he said 135], but I say 140," Roach said. "[Lomachenko's] dad is in charge, he has his own methods. After his first two years of boxing, his father took him out and put him in ballet. His footwork is unbelievable so maybe it was a good move for him. I think it's a great fight for Manny."

At junior welterweight, Roach expects Pacquiao to be a much better puncher.

"He is a very good puncher at 140. He is a lot better puncher at 140 than 147. At 147, by the time these guys gets in there they are 155, 160. They are able to take more damage and that's one of the reasons that Manny hasn't had a lot of knockouts [at welterweight]," Roach said.