In the past, most have seen how internal rifts have cropped up each time Manny Pacquiao enters the ring. Freddie Roach, someone who was re-inserted to Team Pacquiao, has had his issues with Pacquiao's minions and hopefully, nothing negative arises anew from his current rant of being the one calling the shots for the eight-time division champion.
In a report from Boxingscene.com, Roach said that he is the one calling the shots and will be in the middle position for Pacquiao's upcoming clash with Keith Thurman. The Pacquiao vs. Thurman showdown is set to go down on July 20 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.
It remains to be seen if Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao's friend, will react to the statements. In the past, the jabs have raised issues and the conflict could be telling on the Filipino boxer-senator. Pacquiao has since intervened to try and get everyone on the same page and it looks like he will have to do so again if this recent rant from the future boxing Hall of Famer gets out of hand.
Fernandez was elevated to head trainer two years ago after Pacquiao's controversial defeat at the hands of Jeff Horn. So far, Buboy has whipped the Pac-Man back to shape - including a rare knockout on Lucas Matthysse last year. But the story against Thurman will be different.
The American boxer is undefeated although his last fight left a lot to be desired. This was against Josesito Lopez where One Time retained his WBA Superwelterweight title via unanimous decision back in January. Against Pacquiao, Thurman cannot afford to let his guard down and prepare well for a speedy and power-punching pug who is 11 years older than him.
Even at 40, Pacquiao has shown he can still keep in step with boxers younger than him. Thurman is dangerous but Team Pacquiao is expected to look for Thurman's weaknesses - most of which were seen in his last clash.
Speaking of preparations, Roach wants Pacquiao to train at the earliest possible time, Manila Bulletin Sports said. Conditioning coach Justin Fortune somehow concurred with Roach, knowing that time is running and that they have to start working.
“I would like to see him earlier, like six weeks before,” said Roach in that article.
Roach reportedly has about eight sparring partners in mind as part of Pacquiao's preparation against Thurman. When asked on what concerns him about the 29-year-old undefeated boxer, the 59-year-old trainer responded by saying "nothing at all".
