Freddie Roach striving for perfection!

Martin

Freddie Roach striving for perfection!
By Martin Hazell

Manny Pacquiao has literally smashed his way to the top of many boxing fans 'pound-for-pound lists' over the last 3-4yrs with his devastating performances against Mexican ring legends, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Erik Morales. In that time, Pacquiao has also taken possibly the best counter puncher in the sport today - Juan Manuel Marquez to a draw, and won a wide unanimous points decision against long reining super-bantamweight champion Oscar Larios.

Freddie Roach deserves a lot of credit for how far Manny Pacquiao has come in boxing, but I think he deserves even more credit than he's getting. I truly believe that Roach and Manny have sat down and studied Joe Calzaghe's domination of Jeff Lacy, and are dissecting it for their own benefit.

Manny Pacquiao would be described as a relentless pressure fighter with lightening fast hands, and 'one punch' knock out power. If that wasn't worrying enough for his peers, he's getting better and better with each fight, and learning new tricks along the way.

Manny Pacquiao is now using the full advantages that come with his southpaw stance. He throws quick flurries of punches, ducks and slides to the right, ending the move at a 90`degree angle to his opponent, and leaving him out of punching range. He has learnt how to lean and lay back on the ropes to avoid getting hit when attacked, and he has become a dangerous counter puncher, but not in the way most boxing fans are accustom too. Instead of throwing single shot counters, he waits for his opponent to miss, and throws 4, 5, 6, counters on the front foot as he launches himself forward before retreating. But perhaps most potent of all, he has developed a right hook that appears to have the power of his favourite 'straight left hand', but is a lot harder to see coming, - ask Erik Morales!

One thing that has been with Manny Pacquiao since the beginning still remains. He never takes a second to admire his work like 95% of other boxers do. If he throws a good shot and hurts his opponent, he instantly launches himself at them throwing more bombs, he never gives them a split second to recover, and that is a character in a fighter I personally like the most.

Freddie Roach has spent the last 3 years attempting to teach one of the best pressure fighters over the last 10 years - 'cute boxing skills', and credit where credit is due, he's done a fantastic job so far!... If Freddie Roach is successful in his aim, he will have created what all boxing fans, promoters, fighters, managers, trainers, and press, crave to see, 'The Full Article'.

Perhaps Freddie Roach is attempting the impossible?... Either way, the next two years will be one hell of a ride for team Pacquiao!

Seer · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Posts: 11681 Location: Alba

Martin...

What a great, thought provoking post! 8)

It is often forgotten just how much influence a trainer has on a fighter

Team Pacman will prosper under this partnership for a few years yet methinks :wink:

Dadgad · Joined: 07 Oct 2006 Posts: 1897

Great post, Martin.

syza · Joined: 28 Nov 2005 Posts: 6548

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Mr Nice · Joined: 21 Feb 2006 Posts: 561 Location: Marseille

Great post Martin, This is why I gave Dave Charnley a crediable chance aganist Duran in a previous thread.

kerrminator · Joined: 20 Oct 2005 Posts: 5552 Location: Scotland

Great post mate, :) It makes you wonder what the outcome could have been had he been ringside for Arthur's bout with Gomez.

cabanisha · Joined: 03 Jan 2006 Posts: 266

Nice one Mart... :D