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"Freddie Roach Interview
Ace Freeman
In this new exclusive interview renowned trainer Freddie Roach talks about Manny Pacquiao’s training camp, the plans for final preparation in the Philippines, and how Rey “Boom Boom” Bautista’s training is going for his fight on the Pacquiao-Larios under card!
June 21, 2006
FF: Freddie how is Manny’s camp going? Is he where you want him to be at this point leading up to this fight?
FR: Manny’s in great shape. We’ve had a good camp so far. Sunday (June 18, 2006) is our last day at the Wild Card here in LA, and then we leave for the Philippines for final preparations.
FF: How is Manny’s drive and focus? Is Manny as hungry for this fight as he has been for some of his previous mega fights?
FR: That’s one thing about Manny Pacquiao, his drive and focus for every fight is 100%. Once you get him in the gym he’s an absolute machine. Whatever he does, heavy bag, speed bag, shadow boxing, mitts… he gives 100% during his training. His running is unbelievable.
FF: Aside from a lot of the legal distractions which I know have subsided somewhat, has his camp been pretty calm and collected to the point where you’ve been able to get down to work?
FR: That was a little bit of a distraction outside of the gym, but once he gets in here he’s very focused. I think all that business bugged him a little and obviously any distraction isn’t good for a fighter, but now that it’s behind him he can get right down to business.
FF: Oscar Larios is the same height as Eric Morales. What does Manny need to do to be successful in this fight?
FR: I don’t think the small height and reach advantages are anything to worry about. Taking away a guy’s reach is very simple by just getting close to him. Manny will get in close on him and take that reach away.
I’ve been in the opposing corner against Larios many times and he’s a very busy guy and we’ve just got to out hustle him and make sure he doesn’t out hustle us.
FF: I’ve heard Israel Vasquez say that Manny needs to jump on Oscar from the outset. Is this good advice? Will Manny look to assert himself early?
FR: Yea, we know him very well and the plan is to jump on him very early like Israel did in the last fight against Larios. We want to catch him right away, put pressure on him and show him what a true 130 pounder hits like. Manny Pacquiao will show him the power right away.
FF: Do you see this fight going the distance if Manny implements that game plan?
FR: I think we’re going to break the body down and even if he’s in top condition I don’t see the fight going past six rounds to be honest with you.
FF: What kinds of things will Manny be focusing on in the final weeks in the Philippines?
FR: Pretty much just getting the game plan in order and working on getting that fast start going.
FF: Rey Bautista is set to take on veteran Alejandro Felix Montiel on the same card. Is he heading over there with you and Manny?
FR: Rey is already over there (in the Philippines) and he’s hard at work getting ready for this fight.
FF: How has Rey been doing in training?
FR: He was over here with me and doing well but he’s back home now because he really misses it over there. He’s hard at work with his original trainer and I’ll meet up with them when I get there on Monday.
FF: Montiel is a very experienced fighter, do you feel this is a good fight for Rey at this stage in his career?
FR: He’s coming along fine and I think he’s ready for this fight. It’s a step up but I think he’s defiantly ready for it.
FF: I’ve heard rumors some people are looking to rush Rey along. In your opinion what does he still need to work on and how far away from championship caliber fights is he?
FR: He’s a young man just 19 years old and we need to take our time with him. He’s still a little bit stiff at times and he needs more experience. He’s about a year away from a title shot at least.
FF: Thanks for taking the time to talk to us Freddie, all the best to you and Manny in the Philippines and we’ll catch up with you after the fight.
FR: Thanks very much."-Fightfan.com