The best person to know what is best for eight-time division boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is long-time trainer Freddie Roach. The Hall of Famer has been there for the Pac-Man, guiding him in a once flourishing boxing career.
However, greatness may have pushed Pacquiao to expand his reach – something that has imperiled his status as one of the elite fighters the sport has ever seen. While he will be best remembered for those boxing titles, ending his run with a bang may not materialize until he decides on who he really wants to be.
Are you a lawmaker or a fighter?
Like most, Roach is aware of the multitasking that Pacquiao has gotten himself into. Following his success in the boxing ring, the Sarangani Province native has ventured into other things.
That includes starring in movies, playing pro basketball and of course being a senator. While his intent is good, it diverts his focus. And binding all those commitments together, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out how his endeavors have not exactly turned out in the right way.
Best known as a boxer, the title of being considered elite may be there but not necessarily in the way that most would see it. He will rank there once he formally retires though most believe it would have been best for him to quit boxing years ago.
His ability to finish off opponents has been suspect. He is unable to knock out opponents since venturing into multiple tasks. His last knockout was back in 2009 against Miguel Cotto, though a TKO hardly qualifies as the best performance he had in the past. Remember that KO win over Ricky Hatton in 2009?
One last fight and that is it
Seeing how Pacquiao is embracing his duty as a senator, Roach believes that Pacquiao can fight one more time but should quit thereafter – regardless of the outcome.
That is the debate going on right now with most inclined to see a rematch with Jeff Horn. The Aussie could help Pacquiao out with another win.
A victory by the multitasking Pacquiao will however likely lead to one more fight – a rubber match similar to the one he had with Timothy Bradley Jr.
The thing here is this – Pacquiao needs to decide on what he wants to do moving forward. At 38, he is best seen serving his country as a politician. As far as his boxing career is concerned, it is rampantly coming to an end. He could have done that after his forgettable fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2015.
The competitive fire from within may factor in but Roach believes that he may be good for one last fight. On how that turns out is anyone’s guess though hopefully, it would be a defining win to properly send him off. This is assuming he would heed the call of his long-time trainer.
