LAS VEGAS – Freddie Roach is looking forward to a big win for Manny Pacquiao over Timothy Bradley on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the MGM Grand.
But he said he’s not actually looking forward to a third fight with the American.
Roach firmly believes that Pacquiao beat Bradley the first time they met in June 2012, and if he emerged victorious on Saturday then that should be the end of the story.
“It’s not like it’s 1-1 if Manny wins this one. It’s more like 2-0 (for Pacquiao),†said Roach.
“If Manny knocks him out then there’s really no need for a third fight,†he added.
Then what lies ahead for Pacquiao should he beat Bradley?
Since Floyd Mayweather Jr. doesn’t seem interested in fighting Pacquiao, then Roach said the biggest fight to be made is against Juan Manuel Marquez.
Yes, a fifth fight with Marquez.
“The next fight I’m looking at it could be Juan Manuel Marquez,†said Roach of the 40-year-old Mexican who knocked Pacquiao out in December 2012.
But there’s a big if.
“If he (Marquez) wins (his next fight),†Roach added.
Marquez lost to Bradley in October last year and is on the road to recovery. In May, the Mexican counterpuncher faces Mike Alvarado.
If Marquez wins, then again he defies his age, and may set himself up for a fifth fight with Pacquiao.
Roach wants the fight to happen, and he said the new drug-testing procedures in boxing should even the playing field between one of boxing great rivalries.
At the back of his mind, Roach has thoughts that Marquez used performance enhancers in his fourth fight with Pacquiao.
“With the new drug testing now I’m not so sure he’ll be the same guy that beat Manny Pacquiao. Look at the difference between that fight and his last fight,†said Roach.
“In his last performance (against Bradley) it was terrible. And he thought he won the fight,†said Roach.