Manny Pacquiao’s coach admits he didn’t want fighter to face Errol Spence

Freddie Roach, the long-time head coach of multiple-weight boxing champion Manny Pacquiao, has revealed he didn't want his fighter to face Errol Spence.

Pacquiao will attempt to capture Spence's WBC and IBF welterweight titles when they fight on August 21 in Las Vegas while the vacant 'The Ring' welterweight title will also be on the line.

Spence will have a five-inch reach and almost a four-inch height advantage over Pacquiao, something that has been a common occurrence for 'Pacman' since he has started fighting at heavier weight classes.

But renowned boxing trainer Roach admitted he wanted Pacquiao to fight four-division world champion Mikey Garcia instead of Spence, but admires the Filipino for taking the tougher fight.

“He wasn’t my first choice. I was leaning toward Mikey Garcia, because he challenged us several times and so forth. When Manny picked Spence, I said, ‘Congratulations, you picked the best guy out there.’” Roach told Yahoo Sports.

The 42-year-old Pacquiao hasn't fought since defeating Keith Thurman by decision in July 2019. Spence, who is eleven years younger than Pacquiao, is undefeated in his professional career and defeated Danny Garcia by decision this past December.

Roach said that he hopes Pacquiao can fight Spence the same way he fought Antonio Margarito in 2010.

Pacquiao fought four weight classes above his usual super featherweight category, winning the WBC super welterweight title against Margarito who towered over Pacquiao in the ring.

"Manny was in and out, in and out, and when he does that, his opponent doesn’t know whether he’s coming or going,” Roach said.

“When he breaks in with a combination, he can’t sit in the pocket. If he sits in the pocket, he’ll get hit back and this guy is a good puncher. He’s got to get in, hit and get out right away.

Who will win out of Spence and Pacquiao? Comment below

“And you can’t just go straight right in on him. You have to use an angle. Manny’s been doing that quite a bit and footwork is the key to winning this fight. Manny’s footwork is better than anyone’s. He’s on his toes and he can do it for 12 rounds.”

The age gap between the two fighters is something Spence thinks is irrelevant while 'The Truth' also feels Pacquiao's ability to always stay in fighting shape is an integral part of his success.

“Just because he’s 42, about to turn 43, that doesn’t mean nothing. He doesn’t blow up in weight. He don’t get 20, 30 pounds out of weight, he’s not doing outside things that don’t distract him," Spence said.

"I feel like he’s a boxer 24/7 all year round. I feel like that helps him also with his age and things like that. So, that’s why I feel like he’s basically gonna be [the same fighter]."

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