Roach wary Manny under weight limit

GENERAL SANTOS CITY , Philippines  – The only thing that concerns Freddie Roach so close to the fight is Manny Pacquiao’s weight.

No, the Filipino superstar is not having problems making weight for his WBO welterweight title defense against Jeff Horn on July 2 in Brisbane.

It’s the other way around.

“His weight is a little low. He was five pounds under yesterday after working out,” Roach told reporters at the Wild Card Gym here Friday afternoon.

Pacquiao sparred six rounds on the eve of his departure for Brisbane, on board a chartered Air Asia flight that should be packed with Pacquiao’s team members, family and friends, and the most diehard supporters.

With eight days to the fight, Roach wants Pacquiao to add up on weight and come as close as he could to the welterweight limit of 147 pounds.

Pacquiao, according to his mentor, was at 142 pounds the other day.

“I’ve been telling him to eat a little more. I want to make sure his weight is good. Yesterday he was five pounds under,” said Roach, who presided the sparring day along with strength coach Justin Fortune and training assistant Buboy Fernandez.

Roach would like to see Pacquiao a little more heavier in time for Friday’s weigh-in.

“I’d like to see him at 145-146 for the weigh-in but not 141 because Jeff Horn is a little bit bigger,” said Roach of the younger and undefeated Australian.

Two Filipino cooks are now in Brisbane to make sure that when Pacquiao sets foot in the capital city of Queensland tonight, the Filipino champion will have everything he wants on the table.

Pacquiao pushed himself hard in training, and at some point it looked like he didn’t want to stop.

“Train like there’s no tomorrow,” said Pacquiao.

Other than the weight, Roach said everything looks fine at the gym.

“I think we’re in a good place. It was not the best sparring day but it worked out okay and he put the combinations together,” said Roach.

What brought the smile on Roach’s face was Pacquiao in a jolly mood as he cooled down after the sparring session.

Pacquiao entertained the crowd with some dance moves and his favorite Bruce Lee act. Loud music of Shakira filled the air.

“I see the old Manny coming out – the radio, the dancing, the songs, Shakira. I like what I see,” said Roach.

“He seems more ready than I’ve seen him in a long time,” he added.