They’ve dangled the prize in front of our eyes for far too long but could Mayweather v Pacquiao still fall through because Money doesn’t show up?
It’s crossed Freddie Roach’s mind.
Roach, who is Manny Pacquiao’s head coach, told the Las Vegas press.
“I don’t know why Floyd has gone quiet for this fight. When I said we’d kick his ass, there was no response. It’s unusual, very low key – I drove home and said ‘I’m not sure he’s going to show up!’
“His speech is subdued. I think he was forced into a fight he didn’t want to take.”
The build-up to this fight has indeed lacked the incessant Mayweather braggadocio that we have grown accustomed to in his 47 fight career and Roach puts it down to the undefeated fighter’s lack of desire to fight Pacquiao.
“I don’t think any fighter is afraid but I don’t think Mayweather wants this fight.
“He always gets to pick and choose opponents but not this one. Showtime was losing money so he didn’t get to pick this opposition like he usually does.
“Sometimes we do the things we have to do to please companies and try to make money.”
With Mayweather a 1/2 favourite for Saturday, Roach believes a lot of his backing has come as a result of his unblemished pro record, something that Pacquiao doesn’t have but the trainer reckons the undefeated streak actually heaps pressure on Money.
“Maybe the zero on his record puts pressure on him, puts pressure on all his fights – but I am not really impressed by people who are undefeated.
“Losses make you a better person and a better fighter – Manny has been knocked out three times and he knows it’s part of the sport.
“We don’t let that affect us – when you hand pick and choose every opponent it’s different – but we have fought much better people than he has and those losses were very effective for us.
“We have more speed, more power and we are 100 per cent ready for what he brings to the table.”
We don’t care who wins but please God, let this fight happen.
