IF ANYONE NEEDS TO STOP TALKING, IT'S FREDDIE ROACH
BY STEPHEN S. JOHNSON
(IB-February 22, 2010) The scheduled fight between Amir Khan and Paulie Malignaggi may not come off if Malignaggi continues his insinuations of illegal drug use regarding Freddie Roach trained boxers.
In a recent conversation on the "Leave-It-In-The Ring" boxing radio show, Roach became quite upset when the Malignaggi comments were mentioned.
In a prior interview on the LIITR show, Malignaggi stated that "I'd be lying if I said the thought hadn't crossed my mind. I'm not saying Khan is on anything but yeah, it has crossed my mind".
Freddie Roach then stated the possibility of pulling out of the fight was something he wished he could do. "I might smack him when I see him, that's how pissed off I am. Let him go get another payday somewhere else", Roach said.
Malignaggi mentioned Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan are both trained by Roach and he (Malignaggi) suspects Pacquiao is using some form of performance enhancer therefore any fighter associated with that camp remains suspect.
The insinuations by the now ever growing number of boxers and fans alike should be of no concern to Freddie Roach. To concern himself with the now "old news" drug accusations only allows the embers of that fire to continue simmering.
The whole issue of Manny Pacquiao and suspected drug use should have long ago been put to bed after the much anticipated fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. stalled because of Mayweather's insistence on random drug tests right up until the night of the fight.
Freddie Roach has now become a major distraction for the fighters he trains. He continues to "call out" other fighters who he feels are not willing to fight anyone from his regime.
His job is to train not promote, and lately he has become confused as to what makes him the figure he is.
When Freddie Roach was humiliated by Floyd Mayweather, Sr. during the entire build-up for the Oscar de la hoya vs Floyd Mayweather, Jr. battle, most everyone associated with boxing felt bad for the Parkinsons battling Roach. The Mayweather's' have understood for a long time the art of "pre-fight build-up" and Roach was unprepared for the onslaught of negativity the Mayweather's' bring.
Adding insult to injury, after Mayweather, Jr. took de la hoya apart it was none other than the Golden Boy himself, Oscar de la hoya, who claimed it was Roach's training methods that cost him the fight. Roach felt betrayed by de la hoya, but didn't allow that defeat to deter his quest in training a world champion.
He did just that and now Manny Pacquiao is the most recognized fighter on the planet.
This is why the heated remarks by Roach concerning both Amir Khan and Manny Pacquiao are rather odd.
Freddie Roach has the Wild Card Gym in California now being recognized world-wide as a facility that houses world class boxing talent. He has made his mark as a solid trainer, and that's where it should end.
Why the unnecessary acknowledgement of a Paulie Malignaggi who, quite frankly has publicly stated the only reason he continues to fight is for the paycheck? Why not just line up all fighters who publicly associate any of his fighters with illegal drug use and start "kicking ass and taking names"?
Paulie Malignaggi could really care less whether he wins another fight in his career. He just wants the opportunity to make one last huge paycheck, get married and raise a family. This is what he has publicly stated is his reason for continuing to box and he never denies his statement.
Freddie Roach has apparently learned one aspect of the fight game that is crucial to earning the shot at huge paydays for both himself and his fighters. The opposite approach of what Manny Pacquiao presents as being humble and respectful, Freddie Roach has thrown that idea out of the window.
The fairly obvious intent of the now popular Roach is in forming Freddie Roach Promotions. The more he talks, he sounds like a combination of Bob Arum and Don King. These two long time promoters long ago perfected the art of promotions by doing lots and lots of talking.
At any moment don't be surprised when the announcement is made. Freddie Roach has made the giant leap where most are reluctant to attempt to jump. He has now entered the arena of professional sports at its' finest.
"The squeaky wheel gets the grease", and at the moment, there is none squeakier than Freddie Roach.
