MANILA, Philippines - Freddie Roach doesn’t like Terence Crawford as Manny Pacquiao’s next opponent.
Just recently, the celebrated American trainer labeled Crawford as one of the “young fighters” that may be too hungry for Pacquiao.
Roach said he prefers the older guys for Pacquiao for a penciled April 9 return to the ring in Las Vegas, which will be 11 months after Floyd Mayweather fight.
It’s not only that Pacquiao is coming off a loss, the third in his last six fights. He’s also coming off a shoulder injury that needed surgery.
Crawford could mean trouble for Pacquiao.
The 28-year-old native of Omaha in Nebraska, who is undefeated in 27 fights, looked so impressive in a 10th round knockout win over Dierry Jean yesterday.
After the win, at the center of the ring, he told HBO he wants Pacquiao next, telling Top Rank chief Bob Arum to set the date.
Both Pacquiao and Crawford are under Top Rank, and Arum can seal the fight in a minute, if the 36-year-old Filipino boxer wants it.
“I’m ready. Bob, make it happen,” Crawford said.
“I’m ready. I’m gonna let my handlers, (co-managers) Cameron Dunkin and Brian McIntyre, talk to Bob Arum and Team Pacquiao, and let’s see if we can make it happen,” he added.
Last week, Arum told Pinoy scribes that Amir Khan remains on top of the list as Pacquiao’s next opponent, also counting Crawford and Timothy Bradley in.
Bradley, who split his first two fights with Pacquiao, is scheduled to fight Brandon Rios, also a former Pacquiao victim, on Nov. 7.