Freddie Roach: “I think Manny Pacquiao will knock Bradley out. Teddy Atlas will ruin Timothy Bradley with his stories”

Trainer Freddie Roach is already in the Hall of Fame, has been named trainer of the year sevem times and has amassed great wealth during his career, so now at age fifty five, many wonder if Roach will follow Manny Pacquiao into retirement. But with Roach still at the top of his game as a trainer, few expect him to hang up his pads anytime soon.

In part 2 of my “On The Ropes” boxing radio interview with Freddie Roach, I discuss with him the shoulder injury Manny Pacquiao had and what he expects from Pacquiao when he returns to the ring. Roach also gives an update on Miguel Cotto and talks about what could be next for the former champion. Additionally, Freddie gives his official prediction for Pacquiao-Bradley III and talks about his training career beyond it. Here is what Freddie Roach had to say.

Jenna J: Where do you see Manny Pacquiao at now in terms of his health? Do you think the shoulder is better now?

Freddie Roach: Well that shoulder injury was an old injury, something he didn’t get to when he was younger but by fight time he was one hundred percent healthy. In the dressing room he was punching great, it did bother him a month before the fight but as training camp went on he got better and so forth.

Right now after he got surgery I was told he was given the green light, the guy is one of the best surgeons in the world, so he’ll be one hundred percent going into this fight, I’ll make sure of that. If he’s not one hundred percent, I would never let him fight, I’m not like that. It would be just like stopping the Pascal fight the other night, I’m not afraid to stop a fight, I don’t like it because it’s hard because you want to give your fighter the chance to maybe turn things around. But the thing is, I believe in my fighters and I’m looking out more for their health.

Jenna J: What is your prediction for Pacquiao vs. Bradley III on April 9th?

Freddie Roach: I think Manny will knock him out. Teddy Atlas will ruin Timothy Bradley with his stories, because his stories have nothing to do with boxing. There’s no instruction of how to get better, all they heard in his last fight was that he was not scared of fire and that he trains in the heat. You can’t tell him that he needs to move his head more and jab more and be more efficient? I think Manny’s wish will come true.

Jenna J: I want to get your thoughts on Miguel Cotto’s future. Where do you see him going after the loss to Saul Alvarez?

Freddie Roach: I thought he won that fight, it was a good fight, I liked it. Miguel is talking about maybe fighting in June and I look forward to working with him. We don’t have an opponent yet but whoever they pick, I will get him ready.

Jenna J: As far as Canelo Alvarez, after seeing him up close, how do you think he does against Gennady Golovkin?

Freddie Roach: I don’t think that fight will happen, why would they take a chance with their best selling guy? In my opinion I don’t think that fight will happen because it makes no sense.

Jenna J: Can you talk to us about your stable of fighters and what fights they got coming up?

Freddie Roach: I got Jose Ramirez who is also on Manny’s show, on the undercard. He will probably be coming to The Philippines with me also.

Jenna J: You had said in the past that when Pacquiao retired that you may retire as well. How are feeling now in your training career and do you still think you may hang it up when Pacquiao does?

Freddie Roach: Possibly, I still have back problems, my back is killing me right now talking to you, but I will work my ass off until I can. I’m fifty five years old, I’m getting closer to that retirement age but not right at this moment. We’ll see how the back comes out and go from there.