By Mark Vester
Trainer Freddie Roach has high hopes for two of his newest pupils, WBA junior welterweight champion Amir Khan and unbeaten junior middleweight Vanes Martirosyan. Roach tells The Philippine Star that Khan has the best potential out of his stable of fighters to become the next superstar in boxing. He says Top Rank is positioning Vanes to eventually face WBA 154-pound champion Miguel Cotto. Among Roach's prospects, he says Jose Benavides is the best of the bunch.
“Amir’s the next boxing superstar,” said Roach. “He listens very well, like Manny. He’s a good student. He’s got heart, speed, power and brains. Vanes is being lined up to fight Miguel Cotto. I would never take a fight which I think my fighter couldn’t win. So yes, I think Vanes will beat Cotto. And my best young prospect is light welterweight Jose Benavides of Phoenix. He’s 5-11. His record is 8-0, with 8 KOs.”
With all of their talent, Roach says none of them are able to work as hard as Manny Pacquiao.
“Manny is special,” said Roach. “His work ethic hasn’t changed all these years. No one works harder in the gym. It’s unbelievable how dedicated he is to the sport. Sometimes, I try to hold him back. I don’t want him burning out. But that’s Manny. It’s good for him to enjoy some down time because he works so hard.”
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