Roach: No playing, just coaching for Manny

MANILA, Philippines – Freddie Roach arrived in the country Wednesday from Los Angeles, flying to General Santos City to supervise his prized ward Manny Pacquiao’s training for the fight against Chris Algieri next month.

The multi-titled trainer prohibited Pacquiao from suiting up for his team Kia Sorentos in the PBA throughout the training period.

This means the Filipino boxing icon won’t see action when the expansion team makes its debut against Blackwater in the opening of the PBA’s 40th season at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on October 19. He is listed as Kia’s playing coach.

Pacquiao, however, can still coach the squad if he likes.

“He can coach, but he can’t play (while still in training for the fight),” Roach said in an interview with GMA-7’s news program 24 Oras.

“That’s our agreement,” he added.

The bespectacled cornerman came with tall boxer Stan Martyniouk, who will serve as one of Pacquiao’s sparring partners. The 5-foot-10 Martyniouk is a lightweight with a record of 13-2, with 2 knockouts.

Martyniouk and other taller boxers will give the fighting congressman a feel of what it’s like to face a rangy boxer like Algieri, who at 5-foot-10 and with a 72-inch reach presents a risk to the shorter Pacquiao.