It has been widely speculated for a while now, that things were not all hunky dory inside the legendary 8-weight world champion, Manny Pacquiao’s camp.
The ruptures have been apparent for a while now, he has been at loggerheads with his promotional handlers, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum over whether he is still tied to fighting under their banner.
Freddie Roach has also previously discussed how he and ‘The Pacman’ have not been of talking terms, as of late.
Now the hall-of-fame trainer confirmed in a brief statement on Friday, that he and Pacquiao had ended their association with one another.
It had been rumoured that Pacquiao had been upset at some of comments from Roach to the media discussing the Filipino’s declining abilities.
Pacquiao’s generosity is also well known, the man constantly plummets money into noble causes in his homeland trying to aid the less fortunate.
These actions from Pacquiao are known to have constantly swallowed up large chunks of the champions’ wealth over the years.
Perhaps, as Pacquiao enters the twilight stage of his career, he is focusing more on sorting his financial quagmires.
Maybe Pacquiao feels he could do without Roach taking a large percentage of his purse of his upcoming summer clash with Lucas Matthysse.
https://twitter.com/mannypacquiao/status/980969879338565637
As the Filipino has the knowledge now that there is not much further he can go for much longer. However, this is merely speculation.
In his statement, Roach preferred to look back fondly at the lengthy 17 year partnership.
A partnership which stretches back to Manny’s attempt at the IBF Super Bantamweight title against Lehlohonolo Ledwaba in 2001.
“Manny and I had a great run for 15 years – longer than most marriages and certainly a rarity for boxing,” said Roach.
Furthermore, Roach wished his former fighter well not only in the squared circle. But also for when he recommences his senatorial responsibilities in his homeland following his fight with Lucas Matthysse.
“I wouldn’t trade any of it. Inside the boxing ring and the political ring. I wish Manny nothing but the best.
Lastly, Roach did reveal where he is at emotionally following Pacquiao’s coldness and lack of contact in recent months.
https://twitter.com/mannypacquiao/status/982455611282489345
However, Roach quickly reverted to form and decided once again to focus on the good times.
“I would be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t hurt that he didn’t contact me personally about his decision.
“But the great times we enjoyed together far outweigh that;” Roach concluded.
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