By Edward Chaykovsky
During a recent interview with ESPN.com, trainer Freddie Roach selected Lamont Peterson as the top pick on his list for Manny Pacquiao. Top Rank's CEO Bob Arum is meeting with Pacquiao to select an opponent for late-May or early June. Among the four selections, Roach has Peterson at the top of his list, followed by Timothy Bradley, Miguel Cotto and then Juan Manuel Marquez.
A few weeks ago, BoxingScene.com had printed a story regarding Roach's desire for a Pacquiao-Peterson fight, which the trainer later denied, but now he appears to be pulling for the fight - although Roach's other fighter, Amir Khan, is due for a rematch against Peterson for the WBA/IBF junior welterweight titles.
"If we don't get Floyd, Peterson is my No. 1 pick," Roach said. "I think it's a great fight. The kid comes to fight, which is a good style for Manny. I think with Peterson's heart, it's a great fight. I'd rather have Amir fight him first, though.
Everyone in boxing would rather see Pacquiao fight Floyd Mayweather Jr. on May 5th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Roach is one of those people who wants the fight to happen sooner than later, but he doesn't believe its going to take place until the end of the year.
"My theory on what's going to happen is Mayweather will fight someone [May 5] and Pacquiao will fight Lamont Peterson or [Timothy] Bradley [in June], and in November they'll finally fight each other," Roach said. "I know Mayweather got 90 days [in jail starting on June 1], but he can be out a lot sooner for good behavior. I truly, truly, truly hope they fight as soon as possible. That's my dream. I love the fight."
