Roach satisfied with Pacquiao’s weight
MACAU – Freddie Roach has Manny Pacquiao right where he wants him to be.
The fighting congressman, eyeing to turn a new page on his career with a victory over Brandon Rios, tipped the scales at 145 lbs – two pounds below the welterweight limit of 147 lbs – during Saturday morning’s well-attended weigh-in ceremony at the CotaiArena here.
Roach said it’s even better than what he expected.
“I thought he’s (Pacquiao) coming at ‘44. A pound more is great. I’d like to see him a little heavier anyway,†the bespectacled trainer told a handful of local scribes after the ceremony.
The multi-awarded cornerman said his ward hardly had problems getting into shape, which is usually the case for Pacquiao in his previous fights.
“He had two good meals last night. He actually had three meals up to the weigh in,†added Roach.
Pacquiao himself was jovial at the scales, although his body appeared to be less ripped than it used to. But everything’s fine for Roach, who expects his fighter not to bulk up too much heading to Sunday’s clash, also set at the same venue.
“Manny is in great spirits. He came in (at a) good weight. I think he’ll come into the fight about 148 or 149. It’s a great fighting weight for him,†the trainer said.
That could spell bad news for Rios.
“He’s in a great place right now. He’s happy. When Manny’s happy, he fights well,†Roach added.
In contrast, the Pacquiao camp is expecting Rios to bulk up heading into the fight. Roach said the Mexican-American banger could check in as high as 160 lbs, but doubts he’ll be in good condition by fight time.
“He might not be able to out the weight back on. That could hurt him,†said Roach.
Asked once again about his prediction of the fight, Roach stuck to his earlier forecast.
“I think six (rounds), or less,†he confidently said.
***
(Editor’s note: This special coverage of the Pacquiao-Rios fight here in Macau is made possible by Cebu Pacific Air, why every Juan flies.)
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