Pacquiao vs Horn ang gusto ni Roach

MANILA, Philippines — Kung si American trainer Freddie Roach ang masusunod, nais nitong makaharap ni eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao si Australian fighter Jeff Horn sa halip na si Ukrainian Vasyl Lo-machenko o American Terence Crawford.

Sa panayam ng ESPN, sinabi ni Roach na nakausap na nito si Pacquiao.

Pinuri ng pamosong trainer ang matagumpay na seventh-round technical knockout win ni Pacquiao kay Lucas Matthysse ng Argentina para makuha ang WBA welterweight belt.

“I talked to Manny and I told him that he looked good. I think his opponent tried to pack it in early. He couldn’t handle Manny’s pressure. It was a good fight for him,” ani Roach.

Pumasok din sa usapan ang posibilidad na muling magkasama ang dalawa sa training camp sa mga susunod na laban ng Pinoy boxing sensation.

“We have had several conversations where we have talked about working together. The truth is I’m happy with the 16 years I was next to Manny. He is already 39 years old. He still has good speed and power. But father time does not forgive and we all get slow,” aniya.

Mas nanaisin ni Roach na makalaban ni Pacquiao si Horn para matuldukan ang ‘unfinished business’ ng dalawang boxers.

Magugunitang tinalo ni Horn si Pacquiao via una-nimous decision para maagaw ng Australian pug ang WBO welterweight title sa kanilang unang paghaharap noong nakaraang taon na ginanap sa Brisbane, Australia.

“Horn would be a good fight to finish his career. But the names they are talking about out there Lomachenko and Crawford, I think they wouldn’t be the right opponents. I think that I wouldn’t like those fight for Manny,” ani Roach.