Fight with old fire or retire

BRISBANE, Australia – Freddie Roach won’t think twice pulling the plug if Manny Pacquiao struggles against Jeff Horn at the Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.

That’s even if Pacquiao, a 38-year-world champion, wins the fight.

“If he wins and struggles, we might have to think about calling it a day,” Roach told members of the international media Tuesday afternoon.

They came to watch Pacquiao train at a fitness gym of the Suncorp Stadium.

Roach fielded questions on Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor to Jeff Horn and all the other possible opponents for Pacquiao.

When asked what would disappoint him most this coming Sunday, Roach said it would be a fight wherein Pacquiao would be seen struggling inside the ring.

“If he struggles in this fight, it could be over,” said the trainer who’d seen the best and worst of Pacquiao in a partnership dating back to 2001.

Pacquiao, at 38, may be past his prime, but still out to prove that he’s not over the hill. There could be a couple more fights left in him.

The other day, Mike Koncz said it’s “imperative” for Pacquiao to score his first knockout in nearly eight years.

Otherwise, retirement will be on the table.

“If we can’t win decisively we have to think about retirement,” said Koncz.

Roach thinks these last few fights could be good or great fights, including a potential rematch with Mayweather.

But he stressed that that yes, the days are numbered.

““He has quite a few fights (left) and were getting close to the end I know,” said Roach, who’s just happy to see the old Pacquiao in training.

Roach was not referring to Pacquiao as the aging superstar but the Pacquiao who used to run over his opponents.

“He showed me signs of that Manny in sparring and training camp. It’s the first time we’ve had two knockdowns in training camp,” he said.

“We haven’t had that for around six years now and I’ve been waiting for that. I expect the best of Manny in this fight,” Roach added.

“I’ve been waiting for a knockout for a long time now,” he said.