MANILA, Philippines – Pumayag na ang beteranong trainer na si Freddie Roach na maglaro si Manny Pacquiao sa unang salang ng Kia Sorentos' sa PBA sa Linggo, Oktubre 19 sa kabila ng paghahanda ng boksingero para sa nalalapit niyang laban.
“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," wika ni Roach kay Eddie Alinea ng Philboxing.com.
Naunang hindi pinayagan ni Roach si Pacquiao dahil sa Nobyembre 23 na ang laban ng eight-division champion kontra sa wala pang talong si Chris Algieri sa Macau.
"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 tugon ng trainer sa tanong kung ano ang gagawin kapag lumagpas ng isang minuto si Pacquiao.
“Nah, of course he can play as long as he wishes, if that's what it will take to make the fans happy,” dagdag niya.
Makakalaban ng Kia ang bago ring koponan na Blackwater sa pagbubukas ng 40th season ng PBA sa Philippine Arena sa Bulacan.
Bilang trainer ay nagpaalala si Roach na anumang injury na maaaring matamo ni Pacquiao ay maaaring tumapos sa karera ng Pilipino.
"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.”
Sa huli ay nakiusap si Roach sa mga makalalaban ni Pacquiao na ingatan ang Filipino boxing icon.
“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.”
Matapos ang opening day ng PBA ay balik ensayo na si Pacquiao sa General Santos City.
“The permit is only for the opening day. We had just shifted training to a higher level and I don't want that interrupted.”