Roach confident Pacquiao can beat Canelo

MANILA, Philippines – Freddie Roach likes Manny Pacquiao’s chances against WBC middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who is currently considered as the new face of boxing.

Alvarez, who knocked out Amir Khan in the sixth last Sunday to retain his title, showed vulnerability in the early rounds as he struggled against the British fighter’s speed and footwork.

Speaking recently to boxingscene.com, Roach said a quicker and more skilled Pacquiao can do a better job than Khan.

“If someone can go out there and outbox him and stay disciplined, they would be okay. I was offered the (Alvarez) fight from Bob Arum, for Manny Pacquiao, and I didn't say no – because the thing about Pacquiao fighting him (Canelo), and maybe not being strong enough, is being smart enough to fight him for twelve rounds,” said the bespectacled trainer.

“And I think Pacquiao can pull that off,” he added.

But boxing is out of Pacquiao’s mind right now, with the Filipino icon poised to become a Philippine senator after placing as high as seventh in the senatorial race as of posting time.

Even Pacquiao’s longtime promoter Bob Arum has ruled out a comeback by Pacquiao, who last fought in April against Timothy Bradley. With Pacquiao locking in on a senate post, Arum said even a lucrative rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr. will no longer happen.

But if ever Pacquiao returns, only two names can give him another huge payday – Alvarez and Mayweather. And with both Mayweather and Pacquiao retired, the Mexican superstar is widely regarded as boxing’s torchbearer right now.

If it is Alvarez, there will most likely be a catchweight, and Pacquiao is no stranger to fighting bigger guys. Pacquiao battered Antonio Margarito, a super welterweight, at a contracted weight of 151 pounds in 2010.

Roach, for his part, said he needs to sit down with his ward to get a clearer picture.

“I don't know exactly where we're at on that [Alvarez fight], because my fighter is somewhat retired because he's a senator. I have to have a long talk with Manny and see what he thinks about that fight, and see if he thinks the same way that I do – he could be the next guy [for Canelo], unless we get Mayweather back to the table,” Roach continued.

Nevertheless, if Roach will have his way, he’ll have Pacquiao in the ring for one more bout.

“I think Manny has one fight left in him, because of the way he trained for the last fight, the way he fought the last fight. I saw a lot of the old Manny Pacquiao come back. I was really happy to see the old Manny Pacquiao come back. I would also be happy if he retired. Whichever way he wants to go, but I would like him to get ready for one more fight,” he explained.