Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach

Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach have developed one of the most dynamic trainer and fighter combinations since Joe E. Martin Sr. and Muhammad Ali. Freddie Roach has trained some of the greatest names in boxing such as Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, and the former pupil he recently defeated, Oscar De La Hoya. Roach will tell you however, that his star pupil would be none other than Pacquiao himself. Manny has even gone as far as calling Freddie Roach, "a gift sent from heaven". Freddie Roach on numerous occasions has reciprocated by saying "Manny Pacquiao is like a son to me."

The relationship between Roach and Pacman has developed through the years into an unbreakable trust where each individual need each other in order to win. Manny Pacquiao's victory over Oscar De La Hoya was equally as important to Freddie Roach. After Manny defeated De La Hoya, Roach basked in the celebration with as much elation as Pacquiao. Roach's prized student has just won the most important fight of his career and it was Roach who orchestrated the master strategy that clearly dominated the fight. Roach would later say that, "This is the biggest win in my life" and this is from a trainer who has trained three other great champions. Roach, who has Parkinson Disease prefers to be in his Wild Card Gym as much as possible but recently flew to the Philippines to celebrate Pacquiao's's 30th birthday and flew back home to Los Angeles the next day.

These two have also had their share of disagreements as naturally a father and son would have with one another. In 2004, Roach threatened to quit the Pacquiao team after Roach refused to work with promoter Murad Muhammad any longer. In 2006, Roach vehemently disagreed with Manny when Pacquiao spurned a better promotional deal with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Production to remain in the clutches of Bob Arum's Top Rank promotional company. Bob Arum has not always had the blessing of an honest promoter from the public's point of view, but he has always delivered the big fights that the fans want to see. The star boxer essentially made the decision based on Arum's ability to put together the fights that will escalate his career and in return Pacquiao has not disappointed the fans with his electrifying fights by dedicating himself first with his training.

Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach may disagree about financial opportunities, what food to eat, and what color boxing trunks to wear but the fighter and his trainer are always on the same page when it comes to boxing. Whatever Freddie Roach teaches and says, the boxer listens and executes. However hard Freddie Roach requires for training, the superstar will always go over the top to impress his teacher. After the fight with De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao said, "Everything Freddie told me would happen, it happened." Manny is currently at the top of his game and Manny Pacquiao himself would say its because he puts all his trust to the trainer that is now like his father.

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The Story of Manny Pacquiao

The Story of Manny Pacquiao begins in General Santos City, Philippines. He was born on December 17th, 1978. We can't begin telling the story of Manny Pacquiao without examining the hard life of Manny Pacquiao. He was born into devastating poverty and was forced to work at a very young age after his father left the family for another woman.

Manny Pacquiao worked in the hardcore streets of General Santos City selling breads and other bakery goods. Those same streets helped in the development of the tough and relentless individual we see in the ring today. Also known as Pacman do to the way he gobbles up his rivals in the ring, Manny began fighting for a few dollars in the streets. These fights were brutal but soon Manny Pacquiao gained a reputation for being a very tough fighter, and showing incredible grit and determination when fighting opponents that were much larger than him. Even at a young age Manny displayed the speed and left handed power that has made him one of the most exciting boxers of his era.

Manny Pacquiao's mother however was not a fan. She was very religious and had hoped her son would join the priesthood. Manny's popularity increased around the city and people began taking notice of this scrawny kid with a hammer for a left hand. Without permission Manny set off to Manila to pursue his career with hopes of becoming a star in order to help his mother and family.

The story of Manny Pacquiao was still far from a fairy tale. His time in Manila was not easy. He trained for hours and had to work just as hard to earn a living. Manny worked in construction and also in the gym where he trained doing odd jobs which included janitor. Manny was undeterred and reeled of an eleven fight winning streak before tasting defeat for the very first time in 1996 vs Rustico Torrecampo who knocked Manny Pacquiao out. This was a devastating loss for Manny. The life of Manny Pacquiao could have taken a different turn after this period. He considered quitting boxing and going back home. The thoughts of going back as a failure and to continued and never ending poverty re-ignited Pacman to fight again.

He set off on another winning streak and defeated the WBC flyweight champion Chatchai Sasakul in 1998. Finally Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao had reached one of his goals and it seemed his career was about to take off. He successfully defended his crown in the very next fight but his stint as flyweight champion was short lived as he got knocked out by Medgoen Singsurat in his second title defense. Another set back in the story of Manny Pacquiao. Disappointed but undaunted Manny continued training in hopes of another big fight and opportunity.

Manny received that opportunity in June of 2001 when he faced IBF Bantamweight Champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba. Manny fought and impressive fight, knocking out the tough champion in the sixth round. Winning the IBF belt in Las Vegas in such impressive fashion opened a lot of doors for Manny Pacquiao in the United States which is undeniably the largest boxing market in the world. Manny Pacquiao defended his title until 2003 when he gave it up and moved to a higher weight class which included the likes of Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, three Mexican legends. He avenged a loss versus Morales and beat him in the third match which sent the great Morales into retirement. He fought and destroyed Barrera and then faced Juan Manuel Marquez in a truly exciting bout. Marques was dropped three times in the first round and fought valiantly to get a draw. In the rematch Pacquiao was awarded what many considered a controversial win.

The story of Manny Pacquiao continues as he faces his toughest opponent on December 6, 2008 in Las Vegas. He will be facing Oscar De La Hoya and will be fighting at 147 pounds. It remains to be seen if Manny Pacquiao made a wise decision in going up in weight to fight a true welterweight and living legend in Oscar De La Hoya. This may be a Mexican he cannot defeat!

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Are Weight and Size Really the Big Issues?

Although Pacquiao began his career at 106 pounds, his speed and power have remained incremental with his natural rise in weight. More significantly, even if he was never really tested against De La Hoya, he appeared readily comfortable at the welterweight limit.

In April, Roach insisted, "By fight time, Ricky's going to be heavier than Manny, but that doesn't make you stronger. Manny's really developed into this weight and I feel 140 is now the best weight for him."

It is also important to note that while Hatton commands a 2 cm height advantage over Pacquiao, he is outreached by the Filipino in arm length by 5 cm.

Therefore, the so-called size advantage Hatton holds is less to do with his bulk and more to do with his style. If he can draw Pacquiao into his type of fight (attack, grip, attack) he can dominate the match. But I do not see a controlled Pacquiao being lured into a brawl that easily.

Manny Pacquiao to Face Toughest Foe in Epic Career: High Expectations

Manny Pacquiao has thrived as the perennial underdog everyone loves to cheer and support. Little Manny has jumped into the ring against feared executioners and brave warriors like former superstars Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales, and has faced current stars like Juan Manuel Marquez.

Against the odds, and bringing to bear the very best in his boxing arsenal, he has succeeded, defeating these extraordinarily talented opponents.

In his last fight, the “Mexi-cutioner” faced the ultimate matinee idol, “The Golden Boy” Oscar de la Hoya. Once again, little Manny beat the bigger—both literally and figuratively—De la Hoya, to once and for all fully establish himself as the best “pound-for-pound” fighter in the world.

But now, the tables have turned. Today, “The People's Champion” is everyone’s favorite. He is the king of the ring, the real deal, the one to beat. So now the question becomes: Is Manny Pacquiao ready and able to fight the toughest opponent of his career?

The pressure of high expectations. The heat of the spotlight. The challenge of knowing you are the best and that everyone expects you to be brilliant and dominating every time you step into the ring.

On the flip side, the confidence gained with success could lull "Pacman" into taking this fight for granted.

Will Manny exude excessive confidence and take it easy against Ricky Hatton?

Will Pacquiao fight aggressively and with a sense of urgency, as he has against better opponents?

Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) returns to the ring Saturday night to face a “tough-as-nails” and scrappy fighter from Manchester, England in Hatton.

Hatton’s 45-1-32 KOs record is not as impressive as the numbers would indicate. The scrappy, little brawler bleeds easily and simply has not faced the same rugged and high quality opposition that Pacquiao has successfully conquered.

Hatton has conveniently skipped the best Mexican fighters in his division and has beaten bad, mediocre, and “shot” fighters, like Jose Luis Castillo, on his way to amassing his deceptively strong record.

Hatton’s best quality is that he loves to brawl and, most importantly to boxing promoters, his is a guaranteed box office hit. His marketing star power will undoubtedly draw the support of millions of British and European fans ready, eager and able to spend whatever it takes to support their hero.

The cash registers will surely ring throughout the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pay-Per-View numbers will be impressive; and the arena will be filled and will emanate great excitement and buzz.

Hatton’s loud and boisterous supporters will chant and scream giving the venue the look and feel of a high-profile soccer match such as the classic game between Manchester United and Arsenal of the English Premier League.

The fight will be interesting and fun. Hatton will give a great show, exchanging blows freely with the usually equally aggressive Pacquiao. There will be fireworks and there will be a knockout.

After all the thrilling exchanges, if Pacquiao is able to beat his real rival, “The Curse of High Expectations,” the referee will raise the hand of Pacquiao, known in the Philippines as “Pambansang Kamao” (The National Fist), to officially declare him the winner by KO.

The fight will provide great entertainment and is certainly worth watching.

Pacquiao will happily take home $12 million while Hatton will earn $8 million. The explosive rumble will be televised on HBO pay-per-view.

If Manny comes prepared and can stay focused, hungry and eager, this is a fight he should win relatively easily. If not, the scrappy Hatton will make him pay.

Pacquiao by KO on the 10th round.

Another Step Towards Greatness: Manny Pacquiao Vs Ricky Hatton

Its just two days until the big match up between Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao. An incredible match-up in its own right, our tastebuds for this fight have only been teased by the constant media coverage it has recieved.

One can only wonder what its like in Las Vegas right now with all of the Englishmen flocking to the States to watch their fellow countryman clash against the pound for pound best fighter in the game right now. Whatever the case may be, all one truly can ask for out of all of this build-up, is for an exciting fight on Saturday Night's Pay Per View show.

Around this time last year, Ricky Hatton was preparing for his return to the ring after a humbling defeat at the hands of Floyd "Money" Mayweather just six months beforehand. There were many questions concerning Hatton's situation and whether or not he would be able to rebound from such a devistating defeat.

Having returned to his natural weight class, would he be able to continue his evident dominance in said weight class, or would the loss effect him so much mentally that he would have to seriously consider the very real talk of retirement that was suggested to him six months previous.

Hatton would go on to achieve a workmanlike, yet unimpressive victory against Juan Lazcano in which he showed weaknesses and was hurt on several occasions by the same shot that knocked him out in the Mayweather fight, the left hook. Surely this was not all that was left of Ricky Hatton.

Hopefully, the British Native had something left in the tank. Eventually, changes were made in the Hatton Camp, mainly a trainer change that would prove to benefit Ricky Hatton in his next match against the elusive Paulie Malignaggi.

Under the watchful eye of Floyd Mayweather Sr., certain aspects of Ricky Hatton's fighting style were honed and conditioned to make him a more efficient fighting machine rather than just a raging bull. These would prove useful in this fight as over 11 rounds, Ricky Hatton would batter and bully a completely overmatched Malignaggi until finally Buddy Mcgirt threw in the towel, having watched his fighter get punished enough. Ricky Hatton was officially BACK!

Around this time last year, Manny Pacquiao was preparing for what would be a short lived campaign at 135. He would make his debut in devastating fashion by completely pounding out David Diaz in a nine round massacre which ended with Diaz laying face first on the canvas. Those who questioned whether or not Pacquiao would be able to carry his power up in weight with him had just recieved their answer.

Manny would then go on to sign a deal to face Oscar De La Hoya in a match that was completely one sided in terms of competition. Pac-Man cut through De La Hoya like a hot knife through butter.

While most experts were critical of this match, claiming the Golden Boy was trying to pull off his best "Golden Bully" impression, it would go on to bite De La Hoya in his side.

Pacquiao completely pummeled Oscar for 8 straight rounds. When Oscar refused to answer the bell at the beginning of the 9th, the crown of Pound for Pound Best fighter on the planet was passed on to Manny Pacquiao.