Freddie Roach has been avoiding the day when Manny Pacquiao decides to retire.
On August 22, 2021, that day might have come.
Though adamant about hanging up his boots, the 42-year-old Pacquiao felt that his days in the squared circle are almost done after bowing to Yordenis Ugás in Las Vegas, Nevada.
“I hate to see the day that he retires but this could be it,” said Roach.
Though Pacquiao still showed a semblance of his hand speed that saw him rule eight weight divisions, the power and the footspeed were no longer there.
Definitely, Ugas outboxed Pacquiao on this fateful Saturday evening in the desert.
Photo from Ryan Hafey/Premier Boxing Champions
“We didn’t have a great performance tonight,” shared the 61-year-old hall-of-fame trainer.
Still, the partnership between Pacquiao and Roach has been nothing but magical.
Back in 2001, Pacquiao entered the hallowed corridors of Wild Card Gym in West Hollywood. Since then, the two have worked together through thick or thin.
Of course, just like a father and a son, the two had squabbles along the way. Still, Pacquiao would come knocking back.
Besides being his trainer, Roach also served as Pacquiao’s spokesperson, not afraid to talk trash in press conferences.
But now, the partnership might have ended. And for Roach, Pacquiao will forever hold a special place in his heart.
“I’m a little bit worried because he boxed a long time and he’s boxed with me for a long time,” reflected Roach.
“He’s the best customer I’ve ever had. He’s the best guy, best fighter… We’ll see what Manny decides.”
Upon hearing those words, Pacquiao could not help but tear up.
Definitely, no one will be ever to replicate the run Pacquiao and Roach had which was simply, magical.
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