Freddie Roach: “Manny’s power has increased”

June 17, 2008

Freddie Roach: “Manny’s power has increased”
By Ace Freeman (17-Jun-2008)

source: http://fightfan.com/?p=401

FightFan.com caught up with Freddie Roach to get the latest on Manny Pacquiao before his June 28 fight against David Diaz. Only on FightFan.com!

FF: As Manny looks to fight at lightweight for the first time has the difference in dieting and nutrition in this camp been beneficial as you enter the final stages of training?

FR: Yes he’s able to eat a little more so he’s not starving himself as much as was the case when we were looking to make 130 pounds. And it’s definitely translated to Manny having more energy.

FF: In watching closely and in working the mitts with Manny can you notice any difference in his strength and speed in training to fight at lightweight?

FR: I think his power has increased if anything. He’s got more energy and seems to be carrying more power on his shots.

FF: Freddie thanks for taking the time to catch up with the FightFans at FightFan.com. We wanted to ask you a few specific questions about Pacquiao’s training for the Diaz fight. Can you tell us what is different in this camp as you work towards the 135 pound limit as opposed to 130 pounds?

FR: There’s not too much of a difference in camp, in particular to Diaz we have all southpaw sparring partners to make that adjustment. Manny has been working very hard and it’s just business as usual.

FF: Has the difference in dieting and nutrition in this camp been beneficial for Manny as you enter the final stages of training?

FR: Yes he’s able to eat a little more so he’s not starving himself as much as was the case when we were looking to make 130 pounds. And it’s definitely translated to Manny having more energy.

FF: Manny has been traveling quite a bit lately for this camp both for press event and public training sessions. Does that wear on him at all or is the routine and the exposure to being around all his fans something that motivates him?

FR: The travel can be a little bit of a pain but at the same time we get to promote the fight which is important. We haven’t missed any training over it at all, so that hasn’t been an issue. Manny loves the people and he’s a showman. He loves the attention so I think it’s motivating for him.

FF: How has the sparring been going? I understand Manny has been upping things to twelve rounds recently…

FR: Sparring has been going great. He’s been doing twelve rounds recently, and now that we’re getting closer to the fight he’ll do ten rounds today, and then in the coming week we’ll take it down to eight, then six, then four.

FF: In watching closely and in working the mitts with Manny can you notice any difference in his strength and speed in training to fight at lightweight?

FR: I think his power has increased if anything. He’s got more energy and seems to be carrying more power on his shots.

FF: Do you have any concerns about a loss of hand speed for the move up in weight in this fight?

FR: His speed is slightly off at the moment, but he’s weighing 142 pounds as of today and as we get down to fight weight I expect he’ll be right on point. When he gets right down to fighting weight his speed always picks up.

FF: When we last talked you said a high area of importance for you would be the 24 hours after the weigh in and making sure Manny doesn’t enter the ring too heavy. What weight would you like to see him enter the ring at, and can you provide some insight as to what you’ll be watching for to ensure that happens?

FR: I don’t want to see him any heavier on fight night than ten pounds over the limit. So 145 pounds in the ring is what I want to see. I’ll just be monitoring what he eats a little more closely. We’ve talked about it and we’ll be drinking fluids and keeping a close eye on it.

FF: Last question, there’s been a lot of talk continuing about bigger names and opportunities after this fight. Do you have any concern at this point that Manny is taking Diaz lightly, or do you think he’s completely focused and ready for the task at hand?

FR: Manny never overlooks an opponent. He just doesn’t do that.

FF: Freddie thanks for taking the time. Best of luck going into the fight.

FR: Take care buddy.

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