Chat with Freddie Roach
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Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao square off on HBO PPV live Dec. 6 starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Roach currently works as Pacquiao's trainer, after working with De La Hoya for his 2007 fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Roach won the Trainer of the Year award in 2003, 2006 and 2007 and has trained fighters such as James Toney, Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins and others.
Send in your questions now and then join Roach at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday!
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Freddie Roach (2:01 PM)
Welcome everyone. We're having a great trainging camp. Let's get started.
John, Denver
Freddie, first, you are a great trainer and person. How is Manny handling the extra weight and bigger punches in sparring? Also, what other current fighters would yu like to train? Thanks and all the best
Mike (Amarillo, Tx)
Is Manny still fast with his new weight?
Freddie Roach (2:03 PM)
Manny's speed is very good. He was 147 in his last fight and so far in this training camp it is still there.
Pete (Washington, DC)
After Manny beats Oscar, what type of chances do you give him at doing the same to Mayweather if they fight?
Freddie Roach (2:04 PM)
I think after the Oscar fight, if MNanny wins he might go back down to 147 and hopefully fight Ricky Hatton.
Oscar: Big Bear, Calif.
Do you really think Manny can survive six rounds against Oscar's left hook? Nacho sends his love.
Freddie Roach (2:05 PM)
I think Manny will knock Oscar out in nine rounds.
Austin (Cleveland)
If you could train any fighter in the history of boxing who would it be?
Freddie Roach (2:05 PM)
Joe Lewis, my favorite.
JAY ROQUE
On Dec. 6 2008 fight night, when Oscar De la Hoya lands his signature left hook, will Manny be able to take the punch?
Freddie Roach (2:06 PM)
I believe so but we are working on getting away from that punch.
Hank (Miami)
What's Manny's strategy from the opening bell?
Freddie Roach (2:07 PM)
We are going to attack, attack, attack.
Hopkins,MN
Because of Oscar height advantage I am sure he will use his jab on Manny, how will counter this?
Freddie Roach (2:08 PM)
That is our biggest obstacle. We have to get around it and that's what we are working on everyday in the gym.
John, Denver
Freddie, were you surprised at BHop's performance against Pavlik?
Freddie Roach (2:08 PM)
Not surprised, it was a great performance.
Todd
What's the key to Manny winning?
Freddie Roach (2:09 PM)
Getting inside the jab, working the body, and breaking Oscar down.
Aaron (Hartford)
Freddie...who do you like this weekend and why? Paulie or Ricky ?
Freddie Roach (2:10 PM)
I like Ricky in a very tough fight. It's a heard fight but I think Ricky it too srong for Paulie.
John, Denver
Freddie, what are some changes you'd like to see to put boxing in the limelight?
Freddie Roach (2:11 PM)
I would like to bring back 15 round fights.
ROMMEL, CALIFORNIA
IS THERE STILL A LOT OF POWER ON MANNY'S PUNCHES AND HOW DO YOU RATE HIS PUNCHES ?
Freddie Roach (2:11 PM)
His explosiveness and speed together are unstoppable.
Andrew-Charleston, WV
Freddie: Can you recommend a favorite book on fight strategy and training? Will you ever write a book and strategy and training?
Freddie Roach (2:12 PM)
I haven't read one that I would recommend yet and we are talking about writing a book in the future.
Jeff (Rochester NY)
Who is the best pure athlete that you have worked with?
Freddie Roach (2:13 PM)
Manny is the best pure athlete and best boxer is James Toney.
Jeff (alabama)
Does Roy have anything left to give in the ring?
Freddie Roach (2:14 PM)
I don't think so.
Zowild
Peace Freddie. What was your biggest moment as a boxer that you remember?
Freddie Roach (2:14 PM)
My biggest moment was knocking Booby Chcone down twice in a fight.
Kyle (Indianapolis)
You have been more vocal in this fight than in recent fights, why is this?
Freddie Roach (2:15 PM)
Oscar dsaid some things about me and I attacked back once he started.
John, Denver
What is the maximum number of pro fighter you can train before the hours and committments become too much?
Freddie Roach (2:16 PM)
I have 14 right now and I work 12 hours a day. That's my limit.
Nick (Ct)
Hey freddie goodluck on dec. 6th. I was just wondering who is a fighter besides someone in your stable that you are personally impressed with?
Freddie Roach (2:17 PM)
Antonio Margarito but there are a lot out there that are great boxers.
Jeff (alabama)
Who should Margarito fight? Was is smart to pass on Suga Shane?
Freddie Roach (2:18 PM)
I would like to see Margarito fight Paul Williams again. I think it was a financial decision and nothing else.
Freddie Roach (2:20 PM)
Thank you for all the great questions. Don't miss the Manny Pacquiao fight will be a great one so tune in!
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