By Edward Chaykovsky
Matching skill to skill, Hall of Fame coach Freddie Roach says WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao is a better boxer than Floyd Mayweather Jr. Pacquiao faces Mayweather, with the WBC/WBA belts at stake as well, on May 2nd from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Roach, who trains Pacquiao, says the Filipino boxer has been groomed over the years with careful teaching and instruction - while Mayweather more or less trains himself, says Roach. He feels Mayweather "has never had a coach."
"I don't think Floyd has the background or the boxing ability that Manny has," Roach said in an interview with Dyan Castillejo of ABS-CBN News. "I think Manny is the much better boxer, because he's had someone to teach him along the way. Mayweather, I think, he trains himself."
"He grew up in the ring. He grew up with his uncle (Roger Mayweather) and his dad fighting, but he just became a fighter naturally. He is self-made. But the thing is, he's never really had anyone teach him how to really box. So (Mayweather) does set traps, but if you're smart enough, you will see it. And Manny's smart enough to see it."
"He does [the shoulder roll] over, and over and over again," said Roach. "I know when he does it. I showed it to Manny, how to take that away from him. I think Manny has strong legs, and I think that's the difference with him, too. I think Manny will overwhelm him with movement."
