Roach: Floyd fight most difficult for Pacquiao

Trainer Freddie Roach admitted that Floyd Mayweather Jr. will present the most difficult fight for his prized ward Manny Pacquiao and so he will prepare a tactic meant to lure the highly-defensive American into getting within striking distance of the Pacman’s haymakers. "It's a difficult fight; it's the most difficult style for us to go against because he (Mayweather) is a runner and a counter puncher," Roach said in an interview with 8Count News.com.

As such, he said it will be imperative for them to adjust their usual fight plans that proved successful against known bangers like Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and even Oscar dela Hoya. "We will go to camp and we will make some changes, we will set traps for this guy," he told Brad Cooney of 8CountNews. "This is completely opposite of the Cotto fight, opposite of the Hatton fight and opposite of the De La Hoya fight. We will come up with a new game plan, a 10-week camp, and some changes. We will work on setting traps and taking Floyd's speed away from him," Roach added. Pacquiao has had some difficulty against counter-punchers, as illustrated by his two close contests with Juan Manuel Marquez. The Filipino ring icon fought Marquez to a controversial draw despite scoring three knockdowns in the first round of their May 2004 tussle for the WBA and IBF featherweight crowns and nailed a close split decision in their March 2008 rematch for the WBC super featherweight title. Still, Roach believes it’s offense that will prevail in a showdown between an aggressor and a defensive-minded rival. "We will get in shape and we will try to make it as exciting as possible. Floyd is not an offensive guy, he's a very defensive fighter, but defense doesn't win fights, offense does. We will excel in those areas and we can match his hand speed," Roach said. The outspoken trainer described the much-anticipated bout as a battle of the best fighters today. "It's the best fighting the best right now. People can say what they want (about Mayweather), but he's very good at what he does. He's not an exciting fighter, but he's good at what he does. Let's face it, he's never been beat. We are going to come up with a great game-plan, I know my guy can do it (beat Mayweather)," he said. According to Roach, Pacquiao will once again train in the Philippines for the first half of his training camp and wind up in Los Angeles, like he did in the build-up for the Cotto bout. Negotiations for Pacquiao-Mayweather – touted to make a killing at the pay-per-view buys – have significantly progressed as both ring superstars have agreed in principle to fight on March 13. Roach said the two parties have also consented on the purse split, the weight to be fought and the size of gloves to be used, although he did not give specifics. The venue, meanwhile, is still up in the air. - GMANews.TV