By Michael Marley
NEW YORK--Their already swollen pockets might get mad at them but both Manny Pacquiao and Coach Freddie Roach, prized pupil and revered boxing mentor, are kind of, sort of rooting for Vicious Victor Ortiz in his Sept. 17 challenge against undefeated superstar Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
I said quietly rooting for, not predicting an upset and certainly not betting on a shocking result in which "Money" is reduced to a mere 41-1 pro record. Pacquiao.
In the opposite corner from Manny for their Chapter III bout on Nov. 12, Juan Manuel Marquez doesn't feel good about Ortiz's prospects.
"Mayweather has the (great) defense," Marquez said. "But Mayweather does not have the punch to match his skill on defense.
"I would like to see Victor Ortiz win this but I've got it as Mayweather by decision."
Marquez's trainer, Nacho Beristain, agrees.
"No way [will Ortiz win]," the 72-year-old Mexican training legend said. "No chance because Mayweather will be too fast for him."