By Mark Vester
Speaking with The Philippine Star, trainer Freddie Roach explained why he's predicting Manny Pacquiao will stop Antonio Margarito within eight rounds on November 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Even with Margarito's massive advantage in size, Roach says that Margarito's lack of basics will wcost him dearly in the fight.
“Margarito has no control of the ring,” noted Roach. “He has little foot movement. He doesn’t cut the ring off. Instead, he follows his opponent around. I don’t see sound fundamentals. His strong point is a good chin, a better chin than Ricky Hatton. But he quits - something he showed in the Sugar Shane Mosley fight.”
Roach sees a fight breaking out on even ground for the first four rounds, but then Pacquiao will take over the contest with his speed and break Margarito down with power punch combinations. Once he starts breaking Margarito down, Roach doesn't see the fight going beyond the eight round.
“We’ll see a very competitive first four rounds,” Roach said. “Margarito will come out attacking. Then, Manny will start breaking him down with his power and speed. He won’t be able to handle Manny’s speed. He’ll begin feeling Manny’s power and remember, he cuts easily. Manny will go on to beat him up badly. I think it’ll be over by the eighth round.”