MANILA, Philippines – Freddie Roach is eyeing a fight between his ward Manny Pacquiao and undefeated super welterweight champion Danny Garcia next year.
In a report by Jeff Powell of The Daily Mail, Roach said Garcia would be the perfect comeback opponent for Pacquiao, who lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in boxing’s richest bout last May.
“The fight we want is Danny Garcia,” the bespectacled trainer told Powell.
Garcia sports a perfect record of 31-0 (with 18 knockouts) and is one of boxing’s top young stars.
“That's the easiest fight in the world [for Pacquiao],” Roach added.
Pacquiao is expected to return to action next year, fully recovered from a shoulder injury he sustained while training for Mayweather. Apart from Garcia, British star Amir Khan is a possible opponent for the Filipino icon.
Meanwhile, Roach is not ruling out a rematch between Pacquiao and Mayweather next year. The undefeated American recently announced a September clash with Andre Berto, reportedly his final fight as he aims to retire with an immaculate 49-0 record.
But Roach isn’t buying it.
“Don't believe it. Floyd will fight on to his 50th,” said the multi-awarded trainer, stressing the record purses both Mayweather and Pacquiao made fighting each other.
“Too much money to be made. Especially if he [Mayweather again] fights Manny again,” Roach continued.
Pacquiao’s longtime cornerman said it would be a different outcome if a healthy Pacquiao again takes on Mayweather.
“No shoulder injury and Manny beats him.” – Dino Maragay