Freddie Roach: Manny Pacquiao Has No Desire To Fight Conor McGregor

By: Sean Crose

In accordance with Freddie Roach, the legendary Manny Pacquiao has little interest in dealing with UFC celebrity Conor McGregor within the boxing ring or wherever else for that matter. “Manny doesn’t have any curiosity in preventing an MMA fighter,” Roach, Pacquiao’s longtime coach tells The Solar, “he desires to combat the most effective fighters (in boxing) on the market.” This seems to be a brand new growth, because the dueling authorized actions involving Pacquiao and Paradigm Sports activities Administration present proof the Filipino icon was prepared, keen and in a position to face McGregor final fall when he signed with firm. McGregor has misplaced twice within the octagon since that point, in fact, and – now in his forties – Pacquiao doesn’t have on a regular basis on the planet to proceed practising his craft. In a way, then, the dearth of curiosity in a McGregor bout at this factors is sensible.

Moreover, Roach is busy getting ready his fighter to face Errol
Spence later this month. It will likely be fairly a problem, as Spence is youthful,
greater, and intensely expert. In accordance with Roach, Pacquiao wouldn’t have it
another approach. “If he can’t be at that stage at boxing,” Roach says
of his fighter, “then he doesn’t wish to be boxing. He’ll retire and
hopefully turn into president of his nation.” Roach additionally signifies that
Pacquiao might not return to the ring after the Spence combat in August. “If
there may be one other combat after this,” he says, “it’s not going to be
McGregor, it’s going to be among the finest guys on the market.”

The reality is that Roach might wish to be selective of who
Pacquiao fights from right here on out. He doesn’t need what ought to be a simple win
for his fighter, however he needs to be cautious of his growing older star on the identical time.
For sure, Roach sees one thing about Spence that he thinks will work to
Pacquiao’s benefit. “There’s a few guys I fear about,” Roach
admits, “as a result of they’re youthful, they’re stronger and have very tough
kinds.” Spence, nonetheless, doesn’t appear to be giving Roach any concern – at
least not the sort Roach would make public. “However Spence,” he says,
“I do like as a result of he’s flat-footed, he’s heavy on his ft and he will get
drained within the latter rounds.” Not that Roach feels Spence isn’t any sort of
menace.

“He does have good energy,” the coach admits.
“There’s a couple fights on the market we might combat, however Manny desires to
combat the most effective guys on the market.”