Roach on Oscar's Game Plan and on Mayweather's Flaws

Roach on Oscar's Game Plan! February 7, 2007 By Lisa Scott

http://www.fightnews.com/roachspeaks.jpg Photo: Big Joe Miranda

Fight fans have already begun to analyze, debate and strategize over the May 5th super welterweight match up between Oscar de la Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr. Thus, Fightnews spoke to De la Hoya's new trainer, Freddie Roach to get a hint of what their game plan might be against Mayweather. Roach offered: "Oscar and I have talked a little bit about a game plan, and we intend to use our size, because we know we're bigger and stronger than Mayweather. But talk is talk. When we get into action, things will come into play much better. We'll set traps and take advantage of some of Mayweather's flaws." When asked what type of 'flaws,' Roach stated demurely: "We all have flaws in life. So, we'll be ready for whichever Floyd shows up: The guy that fights in and out; the guy that lays on the ropes; or the guy that runs. Hopefully we'll make Floyd into a runner that night. If not, we have a plan B and a plan C. Of course, we'd love to slug with Floyd, but I don't think he's man enough to sit in front of us and trade. If he does, I'll be happy! "But we all know what type of fighter Mayweather is. He'll use combinations and he'll be in and out real quick - which is what he's very good at. And if I were him, that's the way I'd fight Oscar. But Oscar is not the slowest guy in the world and I don't think Mayweather can hurt him. Oscar is a very capable fighter and not one to be underestimated. He's very capable of pulling off the game plan that we have. It will be a tough fight, but that's what Oscar loves."