Q & A with Freddie Roach

By JOHN CANNON

jcannon@canvaswarriors.com

Legendary trainer Freddie Roach started working with boxers in 1987 and has produced 26 world champions. Some of the big names Freddie Roach has worked with include Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao.

Q: So Freddie, how did your training career start?

A: I retired from boxing in 1987 and Virgil Hill, a fellow boxer, asked me if I would be interested in helping him train. So, I decided to give it a shot and took him on. A year later, he became a world champion, the first one of my career.

Q: Was the transition from boxing to training easy or hard?

A: Well it actually became pretty smooth. I was an assistant for Eddie Futch and he helped me a lot.

Q: You have been involved in some excellent fights. Which one, if there is one, stands out the most?

A: It would have to be Manny Pacquiao-Eric Morales 2 when Manny knocked him out.

Q: How many guys are you training right now?

A: 12.

Q: You have been working with local superstar Eric Molina for a few days now. What do you think of him so far?

A: He has a good right hand and tons of power. There are a few little things we need to work on, such as his left hand. But, he reminds me a lot of Manny Pacquiao when he got started.

Q: I understand you are working with Omar Figueroa as well. How does he look?

A: Omar is a tough kid. He has been sparring with some world class fighters here in LA and looks very impressive. He has been able to hold his own.

Q: You have been to the Rio Grande Valley before. What do you think of the area?

A: I really liked it. The fans are extremely passionate about boxing down there and when I was introduced at a Golden Boy show down there sometime back, the fans gave me a very heartfelt welcome.

Q: Any chance you might return to the Valley?

A: I am sure I will be back sometime. I am hoping to be working with Omar real soon.

Q: So Freddie, now comes the million dollar question. How much longer till you hang it up?

A: I am going to stay in the business as long as I can. Till I die I hope.

Q: Freddie, thank you so much for spending some time with me. Anything you would like to say to the fans of the Valley?

A: I just want to thank them for all of their support and hope to see you all real soon.