Trainer Roach Saw It Coming

By NICK GIONGCO
Manila Bulletin

LAS VEGAS — Freddie Roach knew something was amiss when ring announcer Michael Buffer declared that judge Jerry Roth saw it 115-113 for Manny Pacquiao.

“I think Manny had his best performance since the Miguel Cotto fight (in 2009) and he clearly won the fight,” said Roach late Saturday night during the post-fight chat.

“When I heard that (Roth’s score of 115-113), I knew something wasn’t right.”

True enough, the next two scores were, for him, even more appalling and outrageous as CJ Ross and Duane Ford had it 115- 113 for Tim Bradley, who was awarded a split decision victory over the heavily-favored Filipino.

“The fight was not even close,” said Roach, who had to fly out of Sin City to receive an award form the International Boxing Hall of Fame in New York on Sunday.

“I told Manny to get a knockout in the 11th round not because we were losing but because I wanted him to get a knockout.”

Roach, nevertheless, commended Bradley for his gallant stand, citing that the 28-year-old Californian was indeed durable and game and fought a superb gameplan.

According to Pacquiao publicist Fred Sternburg, the fighter told Roach seconds after the fight that Bradley would run and fight ala Juan Manuel Marquez.

The decision to dance away from punching range proved to be rewarding as the judges gave the closing rounds to Bradley.

SPOELSTRA FOR BRADLEY?

Erik Spoelstra, who has been an ardent supporter of Manny Pacquiao, seemed mildly perturbed to learn that the boxer was rooting for the Celtics.

Spoelstra is half-Filipino and has worked with Pacquiao on community events in the Philippines.

“You know what, Manny, you’re making it very tough on me,” Spoelstra said before the game, and before Pacquiao’s loss Saturday night against Timothy Bradley.

“I’m going to have to get confirmation from Freddie Roach or something.” He added, “Otherwise I might have to root for Bradley tonight.” —NY Times

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