Tough Times For Freddie Roach

irst and foremost, I feel for my friend Freddie Roach who is currently mourning the loss of his brother. Joey Roach passed away in his sleep at the young age of 47. The trials and tribulations do not stop there though. He still has not heard from his prized champion Manny Pacquiao. Recently boxing scribe Mike Marley reported that as of Tuesday there has been no word from Manny Pacquiao, and Marley also reports that Roach is fed up with the constant interference of others when it comes to boxing. This much I know is true as I have spoken with Roach on these matters in the past, it seems it's getting even worse as of late. Read up on Marley's article at examiner.com here


One has to ask why Manny Pacquiao, not only Freddie's most successful fighter, but considered a close friend, has not reached out to at least express condolences. It has been over 2 months since the two have communicated, and this writer agrees with Marley that that's an unusually long period of time gone by without communication. 8CountNews.com has not reached out to Freddie (other than to pass along condolences) out of respect for his mourning time, but will talk with him as soon as it's appropriate to do so.

In the meantime, the Pacquiao camp still has not settled on a place to train. Roach and Pacquiao advisor Michael Koncz continue to have issues and one has to wonder how all of this will play out. There is no doubt who had more to do with the success of Manny Pacquiao. Freddie Roach made Manny the fighter he is today, and as a result Pacquiao has benefited with riches and fortunes that the next 10 Pacquiao generations will enjoy. There are no advisers in the Pacquiao camp that can match what Roach has done for Pacquiao, so why is it that there is this disconnect between the two as of late? Is Manny being "advised" to not communicate with Roach? If so, who is "advising" him to behave in this manner?

Boxing is filled with venomous snakes that will strike unprovoked. I wonder how many poisonous snakes lurk within the Pacquiao camp? The question remains whether or not Manny will go snake hunting or if he will let the snakes and or snake, run his show. There is a common saying here in America, "never forget where you came from, and don't forget how you got where you are now."

Another big fight for Manny Pacquiao is approaching against a dangerous Miguel Cotto. A victory over Cotto sets up a huge mega money fight between Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. Time will tell how all of this will play out, but in the meantime it would be nice if Roach got a call from his friend Manny.

Source: http://www.8countnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1878/2009-09-02.html