Legendary boxing trainer Freddie Roach will join British boxing icon Ricky Hatton in a star-studded corner for Tyson Fury’s (27-0, 19 KO’s) WBC World heavyweight title challenge against Deontay Wilder (40-0, 39 KO’s) On December 1st.
Roach will take the role of cut-man on the night, as Fury looks to collect the single belt that eluded him in his previous reign as World heavyweight champion.
One of the sport’s most decorated and respected trainers, Roach’s experience could potentially be a key factor come fight night. However, with some members of the boxing fraternity questioning the motive behind his involvement – particularly as a cut man – Team Fury have been quick to emphasise Roach’s role is to assist, rather than to lead.
Ben Davison, Fury’s trainer since his comeback, will still be the main voice in Tyson’s corner – and he took to Twitter to reveal that it was in fact himself who had sought out the help of the 58-year-old American.
Don’t look into it to much, I’m in charge, im tysons trainer, what I say goes. But What better second could you get than Freddie? Simple as that, Ricky will be with us also as will @asgartair
— Ben Davison (@BenDavison_) November 15, 2018
Definately not, it was me who asked Freddie. https://t.co/tKV1hM3pZg
— Ben Davison (@BenDavison_) November 14, 2018
The addition of Roach – whose body of work includes working with Filipino ring legend Manny Pacquiao and multi-weight kingpin James Toney – could be a vital ingredient in completing Team Fury.
With the ‘Gypsy King’ also employing former two-weight World champion Ricky Hatton as part of his entourage, the lineal heavyweight champion will have a formidable entourage on December 1st.
In an interview with Sports Illustrated Roach confirmed the news and stated:
“He [Fury] asked me if I’d work in his corner, he asked me if I could do cuts. I said, ‘Yeah, I have guys better than me though.’
“He said, ‘Do you know what you’re doing?’ And I said, ‘Of course I do – I have everything you need.’ So I’m the cut man.”
Fury had spent the majority of his camp in Big Bear, California. However, he recently moved to Roach’s world renowned Wild Card gym and has worked with Roach behind the scenes.
“I like him – he’s very positive and he has a good idea of how he is going to win this fight. He’s got good legs, he feints well. He’s a talented guy.”
“I think he has the ability to outbox Wilder. He can’t out-punch him. If he tries to slug with him, he’ll get caught.” Roach added.
“But he’s a good boxer and he has good legs and I think he can box for 12 rounds without any problem whatsoever. He seems to be in very good condition. Boxing here, he has gone up to 12 rounds a couple of times.”
“His best asset is his sight, he sees what’s happening in there. He’s not going to get hit with a right hand out of left field. I like him in this fight a lot, I think he has a great game plan to win this fight.” Roach finished.
Article by: Andi Purewal
Follow Andi on Twitter at: @AndiPurewal