Hong Kong — If ever they cross paths in 2015, celebrated trainer Freddie Roach said over the weekend that his top fighter Manny Pacquiao will walk through Floyd Mayweather Jr.
After steering Pacquiao to a rousing victory over Chris Algieri at the Cotai Arena in Macau lst Sunday, Roach believes Mayweather has stagnated over the last two years and predicted that “Manny will knock him out.”
Negotiations have actually kicked off the past few weeks to put together a Pacquiao and Mayweather and Roach is crossing his fingers that the megabuck matchup could finally become a reality.
“Manny did well and hopefully the Mayweather fight happens. And I look forward at getting him ready for that. If not, we’ll see someone, somebody,” said the 54-year-old Hall of Famer.
Mayweather remains unbeaten as he has overwhelmed a bunch of guys tailor-made for his run-and-gun punching style.
But Roach thinks Maywetaher has lost his step and not as skillfull as he used to be.
“You know Floyd about two years ago, I thought it’s about even. Now Floyd can’t run like he used to, he can’t move, his legs are shot, he’s a washed up, old fighter. We’ll knock out Floyd.”
Mayweather, 37, has a 47-0 win-loss card with 26 KOs and is coming off an easy win over Argentine strongman Marcos Maidana in a rematch.
Top Rank head Bob Arum said he will move heaven and earth to make a fight with Mayweather, while Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz also didn’t hide the fact that he is pursuing Mayweather as well, adding that Pacquiao is open to “not getting the lion’s share” of the revenue split.
Pacquiao, Arum and Koncz are eager to land a fight but Roach is also hot on Mayweather’s heels.
“Floyd we’re coming for you,” said Roach.