MANILA, Philippines – Bagama’t hindi pipi-gilan ni coach Freddie Roach si Manny Pacquiao na lumaro sa debut game ng kanyang Kia Sorentos Team sa PBA sa Linggo, may pakiusap si Roach sa mga kalaban,
“I know how tough and sometimes rough basketball games here are and all I beg his would-be rivals is to please to take care of Manny. You can block his shots, steal the ball away, but please don’t hurt him, if you, indeed, treasure him as your boxing icon,” sabi ni Roach sa isang artikulong lumabas sa Philboxing.com tungkol sa update ng kanilang training sa General Santos City.
Noong una ay ayaw ni Roach na maglaro si Pacquiao pero nagbago ang isip ng premyadong American coach at pinapayagan niya ang Pambansang Kamao na samahan ang kanyang Sorentos team sa kanilang unang sabak sa proffessional league.
Ayaw sana ni Roach na lumaro si Pacquiao para sa Kia kung saan siya ang playing coach, dahil kasalukuyan silang nag-eensayo para sa laban ng Fighting Congressman kontra kay American Chris Algieri sa November 23 sa Macau.
Ngunit dahil sa pamimilit ni Pacquiao, nagbago ang isip si Roach.
“Yeah, he asked my permission to play in the opening day for the fans, so I told him I’ll allow him to see action for only one minute,” sabi ni Roach ayon sa artikulo.
Kung lalampas si Pacquiao sa one-minute limit?
“Well, I myself will take him out. I’m coming with him to Manila, sit on the team bench and act as the head coach with him as my assistant,” pabirong sagot ni Roach. “Nah, of course he can play as long as he wishes, if that’s what it will take to make the fans happy,” dagdag pa nito.
Lalabanan ng Kia ang kapwa expansion team na Blackwater sa Linggo sa Philippine Arena sa Bocaue, Bulacan.
Gusto ni Pacquiao na maging signipikante ang kanyang PBA debut kaya nais niyang maglaro.
Wala namang reklamo si Roach hangga’t maaa-lagaan ng fighting congressman ang kanyang sarili at makakaiwas sa anumang injury.
“Any kind of injury that can postpone or completely cancel his fight can mean the end of his boxing career and all the years he’s been in this profession of choice,” sabi ng trainer.