Could Manny Pacquiao reunite with trainer Freddie Roach? Filipino icon thinks so but they have to start talking first
- American coach could be back in Pacquiao’s corner for his January bout against Broner
- Hall of Fame coach says Pacquiao must call him if there is going to be a reunion
Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao said he hopes to be reunited with long-time trainer Freddie Roach for his January bout against Adrien Broner but admitted he had not spoken to the veteran cornerman about renewing their partnership.
Pacquiao ended a 16-year association with Roach ahead of his victory over Lucas Matthyse in Kuala Lumpur in July, breaking up one of boxing’s most famous double-acts.
However the 39-year-old raised eyebrows during a press conference in New York on Monday when he said Roach would be back in his corner for his January 19 fight against Broner in Las Vegas.
Roach though expressed bemusement about Pacquiao’s announcement in remarks to Sports Illustrated, saying he had not been in contact with his former protégé.
“I still have never directly spoken to Manny [since 2017],” Roach said.
“I’m not going to make a move until Manny calls me. I’ve been like a father to Manny for 15 years. If he can’t call me, there will be no deal.”