Arum nixes Roach choice of Garcia

MANILA, Philippines - Trainer Freddie Roach wants Danny Garcia, another undefeated American, as Manny Pacquiao’s opponent early next year.

Bob Arum, the promoter, said no. He wants someone else.

“No, not Danny Garcia,” Arum told The STAR, referring to the 27-year-old,  unbreakable in 31 pro fights with 18 knockouts.  

Garcia was born in North Philadelphia. His parents are from Puerto Rico.

He has beaten some of the big names in the sport – from Erik Morales, Zab Judah, Paul Malignaggi and Amir Khan, who was knocked out in four rounds in 2012.

Roach was in Khan’s corner when the pride of Bolton in England got whacked by Garcia a few times en route to a sensational knockout at Mandalay Bay.

Maybe Roach has a score to settle with the Garcias – the boxer and the father.

“I want Danny Garcia, that’s my choice. That’s the easiest fight in the f****** world, you can tell his dad (Angel Garcia) that as well,” Roach told Boxing News a month ago.

“His dad psyched Amir Khan out but he won’t psych Pacquiao out. I promise. Pacquiao will knock Garcia out. I like the dad but he talks too much s***,” he added.

Arum did not say why he didn’t like Garcia, the reigning WBA light-welterweight champion.

Instead, the Rop Rank chief said he’s looking at Khan and two others as Pacquiao’s next opponent early next year, once the Filipino has fully recovered from a shoulder injury.

Arum said he’s now working on Pacquiao having an MRI on his right shoulder, where a torn rotator cuff narrowed his chances against Floyd Mayweather last May.