Roach Lines Up Some Tough Sparring For Pacquiao
By Mark Vester
Trainer Freddie Roach is ready to fly over to Baguio to start training Manny Pacquiao for the November 14 bout with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Roach, speaking with The Examiner, shot down rumors of Jose Luis Castillo being selected as a sparring partner for his fighter. Roach will make the trip on September 19.
"Where did you hear that? Roach said. "It is not true. Why would I use him, he is shot. I can't use a shot guy to get Manny ready for Cotto. I keep saying it but I will say it again, anyone who thinks Cotto is easy and is not dangerous is a complete fool. I've got Sean Porter. I've got Ray Serrano. I've got Urbano Antillon and I've got Manny's pal, David Revello. He is Manny's friend but David always give him good, solid work. David comes in to fight in camp.
"I have four guys who have the right styles for us to get ready for Cotto. Everyone thinks all Miguel does is attack but he can box also. This is a guy who was able to neutralize Shane Mosley's great speed. You have to take that into account."
There still appears to be a minor rift between Roach and Pacquiao team member Michael Koncz.
"Last time he went and got Manny a sparring partner, he got some 168-pounder," Roach said. "He said he didn't know better. It's like the where are we training thing. He's afraid to ask Manny these things. So he should stay out of areas that are between me and Manny. The four guys I've got lined up...they will do the job."
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