Anyone saw "ON Freddie Roach"?

Article on Roach's Dad, worth a read: Father's fury left imprint on Roach The tough part was watching his mother move slowly down the stairs with two newly shined black eyes. The confusing part was watching his father laugh in her face shortly after his fists inflicted the damage. It's a lot to take in when you're 5 years old. They say boys look to fathers as a way to shape an identity, that while communication often lacks between a son and his dad, bonds are built through the accompanying silence. Freddie Roach built his through the hush of fear. At 49 he is one of the world's best boxing trainers by choice and tireless work, a predictable profession for a man who had 150 amateur fights before turning pro and surviving 53 more. He again will direct the corner of Manny Pacquiao when the latest pound-for-pound king meets Ricky Hatton on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden. The fighting part wasn't an option for Roach, because there was a ring out back of the house and God help any son of Paul Roach who didn't climb in and begin sparring by age 6. God help the son who didn't rise before 6 a.m. five days a week and have his road work done before breakfast, who didn't take the train from Dedham, Mass., into south Boston four nights a week for training, who didn't listen to every syllable of boxing instruction from the old man when the weekend arrived. Oh, yeah: If you were a second late for dinner, one tick on the kitchen clock, the dogs got your food. "We weren't the best of kids and we got into a lot of trouble and Dad was a physical guy," Roach said. "He talked with his fists. Sometimes we got what we deserved. But the one thing he demanded was loyalty. If you fought one Roach, you fought us all. "I remember one time I got caught stealing and the store manager called Dad. He came down and started whaling on me right there in front of everyone. But when we got home, my older brother got the real beating for not having backed me up at the store. "I know. It was twisted." Meanwhile, a mother stayed for her five sons and two daughters. She stayed for Allen and Cindy and Pepper and Freddie and Joe and Julie and little Paul. She stayed and prayed of the moment she could escape. Have you heard this story before? Barbara Roach was a tough cookie herself, having grown up dirt poor and marrying Paul Roach, a New England featherweight champion in 1947 whose post-boxing career was spent as a tree surgeon. She served as a boxing judge throughout the New England states because the more she watched her sons' amateur cards, the more she felt it was a job she could handle. She did it for more than 30 years. The fights weren't the tough part. Going home was. "Paul was hard on all of us," said Barbara, who moved to Las Vegas 10 years ago and still works as a nurse at age 73. "But a lot of who the kids are today is because of Paul. If they wanted something, they had to work for it. In a way, they all have those hard-working, tough personalities. "I would dream of the day I could pack my things and go. I wanted to save myself. But I also waited until all the children were old enough." What was the best part about Paul Roach? "He was very protective of his family -- if one of them was in a fight outside, he sent every one of them out, girls included." What was the worst part? "He was very protective of his family." It's weird and it's not. She remembers leaving, but can't recall the exact day and how she felt. She knows Paul died some time ago, but is sketchy on the exact number of years. Maybe 15. Maybe longer. It's sort of like the idea that for a tree to grow tall, it must grow tough roots among the rocks. Barbara Roach grew them among boulders with a fuming arborist for a husband, and time has a way of hardening those memories we would just as soon forget. Her son Freddie knew enough to realize this: When you proved yourself the best boxer in the house, Dad tended to go easier on you. Freddie was 16 when he assumed that top spot on the family ladder. He too would win a New England featherweight crown, 32 years after his father. Freddie Roach was known to have taken as many punches as he delivered, which created the link many feel connects his career to the Parkinson's he suffers from. Others within the family tree had the disease and Barbara is convinced Freddie was genetically coded for it. She is also certain so many blows to the head accelerated the onset. She won't be at the fight Saturday. She will watch with family at another of her son's homes. They will sit and laugh and talk and pay attention when Freddie's fighter lands a good punch or gets in trouble. There has been too much fighting in all their lives to ever again consider it a life-and-death matter. "I love my Mom more than anything and would do anything for her," Freddie said. "She went through hell. She always stuck up for us when Dad got real physical and that meant she got it too and it was bad. It was unbelievable what she went through. My older brother tried stopping him from hitting her one time and it almost got him killed. "You know, when you're a little kid, you love your dad and want to be like him. Then you grow up and don't want to be like him. But I'm not sure I held much against him. He was a working stiff with seven kids who put three meals on the table for us each day. People thought he drank. He never drank. Alcohol wasn't allowed in our house. He was just bitter. "But the only time I ever saw him smile was when we would win our fights. The last time I spoke to him was after my last fight as a pro. I lost a 10-round decision. He walked in and asked how someone once so good could end up so bad. I told him to go (bleep) himself and never saw him again. "I'm sure he did the best he could." The son is grown and successful and prospering like never before. He is the best at what he does. He is his father's son. Tough and determined. He is his father's son, and in so many good ways, he isn't. http://www.lvrj.com/sports/43962817.html

Episode 2 got a little hard to watch, it was intense, didn't see that coming.

Anyone saw the second episode? Wow. Just wow. Shows you how lonely the sport of boxing can be sometimes. http://sosoboxing.com/boxing-video-watch-online/documentary/on-freddie-roach-episode-2/ I saw it, weird episode. Interesting to hear about Roach's Dad, sounded obsessed with boxing, shame to hear he beat his wife though.

Anyone saw the second episode? Wow. Just wow. Shows you how lonely the sport of boxing can be sometimes. http://sosoboxing.com/boxing-video-watch-online/documentary/on-freddie-roach-episode-2/

It was alright......

Best Episode of ANYTHING I have ever seen in my life. That was amazing. Almost broke down in tears watching it. Touching stuff. Fukk I will die a Manny and Freddie roach fan man. Fan for ever. :lol1::lol1: groupie love!!!

I'm really glad the episode didn't turn out to be like 24/7. Don't know how anyone can really hate on Roach, he's a funny guy and doing what he loves.

I thought it was great, HBO needs more mini-series like this to put boxing back to its lime light..

Great documentary on freddie roach and boxing. Green K to beekeepz for the vid.

i gotta admit, i'm not a fan of roach or anyone associated with him/wild card. but i did find this enjoyable because it gave a good look into the training camp and some of the other things that go on behind the scenes that you don't normally get to see. i really liked that raw doctumentary style. in general, i like things stripped down and to the point- bell and whistle-free. i liked how it differed from 24/7 in the quality of production, lack of music and narration, and it seemed like everything was spontaneous. just cameras rolling and following him around. to me, thats what a documentary should be. no gimmicks, just the facts ma'am.

Just watched it. I thought it was great. Much respect to Freddie. He's a real dude.

roach seemed to be a dick to that manager/ex-gf of his though. The only part I didn't like was when he got insecure over his ex/assistant being on the phone. That was weak. Looked like she was doing that annoying texting at the table thing like a teenage girl, it's fcuking rude. Decent first episode, Khan's speed is unreal up close.

So what would be the correct forum in which to have Roach or Pacquiao simply answer the hard questions? I simply stated that having a Q&A with Roach would have been 100 times more interesting than having him him parade around showing the world how well he's coping with his disease. Simply answering 5 questions without dodging or deflecting would make for better TV than the 30 minute Parkinson's Disease "mino(?) documentary" HBO aired. Being such an authority on IQs, you should have known that was what I was trying to convey. This was no better than putting Muhammad Ali on TV to see how he spends a day. The difference being that Ali was really great at something at some point and so his story is worth telling.Hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate hate BTW, great 1st episode.

So what would be the correct forum in which to have Roach or Pacquiao simply answer the hard questions? I simply stated that having a Q&A with Roach would have been 100 times more interesting than having him him parade around showing the world how well he's coping with his disease. Simply answering 5 questions without dodging or deflecting would make for better TV than the 30 minute Parkinson's Disease "mino(?) documentary" HBO aired. Being such an authority on IQs, you should have known that was what I was trying to convey. This was no better than putting Muhammad Ali on TV to see how he spends a day. The difference being that Ali was really great at something at some point and so his story is worth telling. we get it, you don't like roach and have an agenda. The poster you just replied to just explained what this documentary is all about and it seems people with an IQ of a cockroach like you still litter these forums this isn't a Q and A show and the purpose is depict a narrative into his everyday life. go turn off the TV or go watch some boxing hating youtube videos if you are into that type of thing

It was nice learning some more about Roach but my favorite part is when the chick flashes her tits. Ohhhh Yeaaaaah!

If you're going to interview or document some one's life and times, ask the questions that EVERYONE is asking ... not just the soft touches. I hope one of the episodes asks Roach about his past dealings with fighters who he knew were using steroids. The man has claimed in interviews that he knows nothing about PEDs. Yet he's been involved in past scandals. People like Larry Merchant have no problem asking guys like Mayweather or Hopkins the "hard questions". When is someone going to start asking these clowns who obviously enjoy the face time and the platform to sound off the hard questions? They need to ask things like: Why in Pacquiao's last fight against Marquez did no one ask him why he has refused to take tests for 3 years? Why did no one ask Roach why, as trainer of the year, he had no Plan B for Khan? Why hasn't anyone asked world class conditioning coach Alex Ariza why Pacquiao still has cramping issues? Is Ariza really world class or does he just facilitate the plausible deniability for Team Pacquiao? What world class trainer is not aware of what his prize pupil is putting into his body???? Are Roach and Pacquiao beyond reproach? Freddie's message is clear: "Don't feel sorry for me." Yet this guy goes on camera to capture him doing various arbitrary activities while shaking and slurring the entire time. I ask "WTF does this have to do with boxing"? Some will think that what I am saying is rude or unkind, but it is truthful. Freddie Roach is using the same tactics that Bob Arum used to promote Manny Pacquiao. The producers of the show and Roach himself are using Roach's Parkinsons to soften the perception and expectations of Roach as a world class trainer. Arum did the same thing when he kept citing the fact that Pacquiao was "so so small" and that every unsporting advantage that Pacquiao sought (catchweights, vacant titles, choosing men coming off losses). Nearly everything Pacquiao did was supposed to be excused because he was a "little guy with heart who supposedly took great chances by moving up against MUCH MUCH bigger men". See how the soft touch wording changes the perception of what really happened? They would have you believe that Roach is some genius who can work miracles despite not being able to even work the mitts for even 3 minutes. Ever notice that the clips of Roach in the ring are never more than 30 seconds long? I love boxing, but "On Freddie Roach" is nothing more than an attempt to make Roach seem more significant in the sport than he really ever was. It’s an attempt to make him seem grand in his sickly state so that when he exits the sport he will seem all the more noble for his troubles. I'm simply waiting for the hard questions to be asked ... sick or not. Roach and Pacquiao are the two most protected commodities in boxing today. They are shielded from top competition and they are shielded from the tough questions. And that's no conspiracy. If those two were really put to their cards, they would fold. They would have to. That's why this "On Freddie Roach" show is such a boon to Freddie and Pacquiao. It allows them to be seen but without them having to explain why Pacquiao still has not lived up to the terms of the Mayweather fight, why he cannot fight in May due to a cut he suffered last year, his finances, his infidelity or his demotion on the P4P list. Teflon I tell ya. Really???? Look, we're talking about a show on his life. If you don't care for it than simply change the channel. There are plenty of topics that relate for you to B**** about. LOL! Anyhow, ironic that boxing help cause the disease yet helps him deal with it. Thanks for posting. Please post new episodes as that become available.

If you're going to interview or document some one's life and times, ask the questions that EVERYONE is asking ... not just the soft touches. I hope one of the episodes asks Roach about his past dealings with fighters who he knew were using steroids. The man has claimed in interviews that he knows nothing about PEDs. Yet he's been involved in past scandals. People like Larry Merchant have no problem asking guys like Mayweather or Hopkins the "hard questions". When is someone going to start asking these clowns who obviously enjoy the face time and the platform to sound off the hard questions? They need to ask things like: Why in Pacquiao's last fight against Marquez did no one ask him why he has refused to take tests for 3 years? Why did no one ask Roach why, as trainer of the year, he had no Plan B for Khan? Why hasn't anyone asked world class conditioning coach Alex Ariza why Pacquiao still has cramping issues? Is Ariza really world class or does he just facilitate the plausible deniability for Team Pacquiao? What world class trainer is not aware of what his prize pupil is putting into his body???? Are Roach and Pacquiao beyond reproach? Freddie's message is clear: "Don't feel sorry for me." Yet this guy goes on camera to capture him doing various arbitrary activities while shaking and slurring the entire time. I ask "WTF does this have to do with boxing"? Some will think that what I am saying is rude or unkind, but it is truthful. Freddie Roach is using the same tactics that Bob Arum used to promote Manny Pacquiao. The producers of the show and Roach himself are using Roach's Parkinsons to soften the perception and expectations of Roach as a world class trainer. Arum did the same thing when he kept citing the fact that Pacquiao was "so so small" and that every unsporting advantage that Pacquiao sought (catchweights, vacant titles, choosing men coming off losses). Nearly everything Pacquiao did was supposed to be excused because he was a "little guy with heart who supposedly took great chances by moving up against MUCH MUCH bigger men". See how the soft touch wording changes the perception of what really happened? They would have you believe that Roach is some genius who can work miracles despite not being able to even work the mitts for even 3 minutes. Ever notice that the clips of Roach in the ring are never more than 30 seconds long? I love boxing, but "On Freddie Roach" is nothing more than an attempt to make Roach seem more significant in the sport than he really ever was. It’s an attempt to make him seem grand in his sickly state so that when he exits the sport he will seem all the more noble for his troubles. I'm simply waiting for the hard questions to be asked ... sick or not. Roach and Pacquiao are the two most protected commodities in boxing today. They are shielded from top competition and they are shielded from the tough questions. And that's no conspiracy. If those two were really put to their cards, they would fold. They would have to. That's why this "On Freddie Roach" show is such a boon to Freddie and Pacquiao. It allows them to be seen but without them having to explain why Pacquiao still has not lived up to the terms of the Mayweather fight, why he cannot fight in May due to a cut he suffered last year, his finances, his infidelity or his demotion on the P4P list. Teflon I tell ya. Do you not understand the difference between doing a mino documentary on Roach and an in depth interview? This isn't some interview on Roach, it's just a day in the life of what he does and who he is. It's not some 20/20 piece trying to expose something you have created in your mind. LOL.man the IQ in this place is amazing. Sit back and enjoy the program, if you want to put Roach on trial, that is not the forum to do it.

Never disliked Roach despite some of the ridiculous comments he makes on occasion, very good epi btw. Shot beautifully and it flowed really well without spending too much time on any particular scene. Still quite sad about his illness especially the part where he was wrapping Khan's hands and was shaking profusely. Thankfully he found solace in becoming a trainer after boxing. Also admirable is the fact that he doesn't let his illness consume him and still loves what he does.

Weren't that to do with some people not calling back about an interview or some **** & Roach was just mad at them. Then got kinda pissy with the assistant because she was trying to contact them? Good episode though; look forward to the next one. Roach was an ass to his assistant/ex-gf & his gf.

Best Episode of ANYTHING I have ever seen in my life. That was amazing. Almost broke down in tears watching it. Touching stuff. Fukk I will die a Manny and Freddie roach fan man. Fan for ever. Well.. I agree that it was an emotionally powerful episode. I mean come on... if you don't feel for the guy it's because you hate him because his relationship with Pacquiao and Arum.