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Pacman-Floyd Jr fight is going to happen, says Roach


The boxing match the world wants to see is bound to happen – pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd “Money" Mayweather. This Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s multi-titled trainer, said in an interview by an affiliate of ESPN radio. “Yeah, it’s going to happen," said Roach when asked if the mega bout will push through. “I just talked to Bob Arum and he is flying to the Philippines the soonest possible time to make Manny the offer and we are trying to make this work as best as we can." Roach also added that the fight is being arranged as quickly as possible and get this thing done. “We have enough ammunition to get this fight done quickly because there is a lot of money out there," he added. Roach has yet to reveal the condition whether they will be amenable to the demands of Mayweather’s camp, but the seasoned champion trainer said they are “willing to meet halfway and will definitely make the blood test after the fight." The four-time Trainer of the Year also believes Pacquiao will stop Floyd Jr. if the American showboat would fight the same way he did against Sugar Shane Mosley in their much-hyped welterweight showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Based on his observation, the 32-year old former Olympic bronze medalist became a step slower and obviously, no longer has the vaunted speed that has defined his boxing career all throughout. And Roach pointed out, had Pacquiao been the one inside the ring that night, there’s no doubt he could have knocked out Mayweather cold. “If Pacquiao catches him (Mayweather), he will finish him," said Roach. The 31-year old Pacquiao, now in the final days of campaigning for a congressional seat in the province of Sarangani, earlier said that he could have swarmed all over Mayweather and knock him out should he hurt him the way Mosley did in their 12-round fight. Mosley twice rocked Mayweather with a pair of solid rights, but failed to capitalize on the momentum, allowing the unbeaten former five-time champion to adjust and walk away with a dominant 12-round decision. Roach acknowledged the age factor caught up on Mosley, a close friend of him. “Shane got old overnight," he said of the 38-year old veteran, the only boxer who defeated boxing great-turned-promoter Oscar De La Hoya twice. Mosley’s issue with age was the reason why Mayweather looked quick and very sleek during the fight, and not Floyd being in his old, deadly form. At least not in the eyes of the trainer considered one of the best in the rich history of boxing. “Speed is a factor. He’s a little bit slower. He doesn’t have his legs anymore," said Roach of `Pretty Boy’. “He changed his style because he can’t move like he used to at that weight. He’s a lot more flat-footed, that’s why Shane hit him like that in the second round." But to Mayweather’s credit, Roach praised him for abandoning his defensive style of fighting and opting to go toe-to-toe with Mosley “That was very good for the fans. He came to fight. It’s unfortunate that Mosley didn’t have more in the tank. But Pacquiao will." If and when the multi-million dollar fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather does push through, Roach acknowledged he has to come up with the perfect fight plan to beat the hell out of Floyd, whom he considers a `big challenge for him.’ “Because of his style, I have to come up with the perfect game plan. It is a big challenge for me to get a win over him. One thing about Mayweather, he is very good at what he does. He’s very clever. He sees well." - RCJ, GMANews.TV

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