By Mark Vester
Freddie Roach, trainer of WBC lightweight champ Manny Pacquiao, told Filipino scribe Dennis Principe that true Mexicans will support Manny when he challenges Oscar De La Hoya on December 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Roach says that De La Hoya has never been accepted by boxing fans who live in Mexico, and only Mexican-Americans have actually supported him.
“Believe me, the true Mexican fans are going to be on Manny Pacquiao’s side. Because you know what, Oscar’s never been accepted by the true Mexican fans from Mexico. Mexican-Americans yes, but not Mexicans,” said Roach.
Roach says it's Pacquiao's explosive ring style and his battles with Mexican legends Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez, that earned the respect of true Mexican boxing fans.
“And Manny Pacquiao’s style, the Mexican’s love that. People call Manny the 'Mexican Assassin' but Manny’s never really taken that name. He doesn’t dislike anybody,” Roach said. “But believe me, the Mexican fans from Mexico will be cheering for Manny that night. I believe that with my heart."
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