Freddie Roach: “We both want Mayweather. All Floyd has to do is sign the contract”
November 23, 2009 – 9:10 am by Chris FedorFreddie Roach is one of the most well-respected and well-known trainers in the sport of boxing. He is probably most known for being the trainer for Manny Pacquiao. Many people feel that Pacquiao is pound-for-pound the best fighter on the planet right now and there really is not that much left for Manny Pacquiao to prove. He has made a ton of money, he’s made Oscar De La Hoya quit on his stool in his own corner, he left Ricky Hatton unconscious in Las Vegas and it seems like he will step up and fight anyone, no matter how big or strong they are. Two weeks ago he fought and dismantled Miguel Cotto, who went into the fight as the boxer who was thought to be bigger and stronger than Pacquiao. After winning the fight he became the first-ever seven-division world champion. However, despite all his success, Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach still feel like there is one thing left for them to accomplish in boxing. That is beat and shut the mouth of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Roach and Pacquiao have been trying to get Mayweather in the ring since he came out of retirement earlier this year and the Pacquiao camp seems more and more motivated to get “Money May” in the ring. It is a fight that boxing fans all over the world want to see. And why not? Mayweather himself has won six world boxing championships in five different weight classes, is undefeated at 40-0 in his professional career and for those that don’t see Pacquiao as the best fighter pound-for-pound, see “Money” as the best. It would be the best possible way to kick off the new decade in boxing.
Freddie Roach joined 790 The Zone in Atlanta with Morning Mayhem to talk about Pacquiao’s recent victory over Miguel Cotto, what makes Manny Pacquiao so good and whether or not he thinks a fight against Mayweather is in the future for his fighter.
On Manny Pacquiao laying against the ropes and showing his toughness against Cotto:
“That wasn’t part of the game plan, but he had it in his mind that he could beat Cotto at his own game. He said ‘I can take his punch.’ I said yeah, but keep that a secret.”
On whether he thinks Cotto’s corner did a disservice to him in the fight against Pacquiao:
“Definitely. They are a young corner. They’re asking the fighter if he wants to stop the fight. You just stop the fight. The fighter is never going to say no. He can’t, it’s against the rules. It’s against our religion to say no in boxing. The thing is, they should’ve pulled him out in the ninth round because he was in survival mode. When a world champion gets in survival mode, it’s over and its unnecessary for him to take the beating that he took.”
On what makes Pacquiao such a great fighter:
“His discipline and his work ethic are unbelievable. Some guys win world titles and become a little soft and a little cocky, but Pacquiao has not lost that drive. He has a country behind him, he knows when he wins it makes everyone in his country happy and so forth. He puts a lot of pressure on himself, but he really enjoys it. Somebody said there was a lot of drama in training camp and stuff like this, but you know what, we have drama all the time. It makes us tick.”
On whether they have talked about Pacquiao stepping away from boxing:
“Yeah, we talked about it. He wants to get into politics and stuff like that. I told him, we fight Mayweather, beat him, and it will be over.”
On whether or not he thinks Pacquiao could step away if he beats Mayweather:
“It would be the perfect scenario, but is it possible? Probably not. Boxing is a very addictive sport. Once he gets into politics and sees how tough it is and how many people he’s gonna piss off at making decisions and so forth, I think he will miss boxing and probably come back to it. I love when people go out on top and I would love to see him have the Mayweather fight and be done with it.”
On Mayweather’s comments about Pacquiao:
“Well, the thing is, (Bob) Arum called me and asked me who I wanted and I told him it was Mayweather, so he’s negotiating the deal. Manny just got over a hard fought fight and he should enjoy that a little bit and spend time with his family. He was on TV last night, he called Mayweather out. We both want Mayweather. All Floyd has to do is sign the contract. He ducked us last time, he picked (Juan Manuel) Marquez. He’s been ducking people his whole life. He ducked (Antonio) Margarito, he ducked Shane Mosley, we need the best fight and I think that’s the fight we need to make. When he asks for a 65/35 split, he’s politely saying ‘I don’t want to fight.”
On how much money is playing a factor in the fight not yet happening:
“Manny has an ego too and he feels like he should get the 60/40 split. That’s going to pose a problem, but the thing is Mayweather hired Golden Boy to negotiate the deal. So Golden Boy and Arum, I think they will get it done.”
Listen to Freddie Roach on 790 The Zone in Atlanta
Tags: Boxing, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao
37 Responses to “Freddie Roach: “We both want Mayweather. All Floyd has to do is sign the contract””
50/50 is a fair share for both fighters. I think the fight will definitely happen.
There’s a suggestion from one poster (can’t recall the thread) for a 45/45 split and the winner will get the remaining 10% pot. This is a good bargaining chip IMO.
Thanks to Pambansang Coach by the way.
By Jintu Montego on Nov 23, 2009
Since the two boxers (pacquiao and mayweather) are claiming to be the more popular than the other, what HBO should do is to provide a two channel for the PPV, one for each boxer. All the PPV viewers have to do is to select what channel they want to watch the fight, either Pacquiao’s channel or Mayweather’s channel. In this scheme,the fighter’s total viewers can therefore be translated into percentage which shall be his percentage share in PPV revenue.
By gerdeas on Nov 23, 2009
so the fight can proceed, the guaranteed purse should only be $ 1 million for each fighter. this should cover transport and training expenses. the pot should be $ 50 million, all going to the winner. the hbo ppv sales can be split 60/40 with the bigger slice of the pie also going to the winner.
it would be some sort of a winner take all scheme. if the two boxers really think they are the best pound for pound then this scheme should be acceptable to both. in my view, roach and pacquiao can take this arrangement since both are confident mayweather could be the easiest opponent available in the market today. the question is, will mayweather accept this scheme?
By vic a. endriga on Nov 23, 2009
If their egos are to be followed and they really want to fight and not duck each other because of money, the best deal is 40-40 and the winner gets the remaining 20%. This sharing will support who is really the best and winner gets the bigger share of the fight.
By rmh on Nov 23, 2009
50-50 is fair enough.There should be safety claws about the excess eight and audience dissatissfaction.If there is no 3 knock down rule it is for the referee and ring physician to stop the fight.Very loud audience dissatisfaction in conformity with the judges should have some sort of appeasement during the fight.Maybe points deduction.It will calm down the temperature in the audience.Mayweather should be more engaging specially that fight is a big big fight and ten thousands of entertainment seeking paying public will be watching inside the venue whenever and wherever it will be.
By isidro on Nov 23, 2009
Even with all of these talks going around, I still believe the fight will not happen. Floyd is just very much afraid to lose his “0″. We know that he will never fight if there is a possibility of losing. He is a real ‘coward’ brat.
By Edgar A. de Dios on Nov 23, 2009
45/45 ITS UNFAIR FOR PACQUIAO 60 ITS GOOD ENOUGH AND HE RESERVED IT. YOU CANNOT COMPARE FLOYD TO THE PERSON WHO MADE AN HISTORY. NOBODY MADE THIS SINCE THE BOXING SPORT WAS BORN.
By MIAMI HEAT on Nov 23, 2009
Mayweather is an egotiscal pig who thinks he’s the best. If he ducked multiple fighters he should NOT fight Pacquiao. If indeed they are going to fight, it should be 45/45 and the 10% should go to the winner, plus separate PPV to see who gets the most PPV revenue. Pacquiao appears to have more fans worldwide compared to Mayweather.
By Maggie on Nov 23, 2009
I go for 60-40 pacquiao. roach said that pac got an ego. actually its not just pac’s ego. its the ego of all the filipino people. its now our time to ask for higher respect. we used to be slaves by spaniards, japanese, and americans. Our heroes were killed and disrespected by them. now its time for our hero (pac) to earn respect and credit. Philippines is a poor country, but we are rich in dreams, and having pac is a dream come true.
By yamso on Nov 23, 2009
mayweather will do everything so that this fight will not materialized…he can make good excuses just to avoid pacman for sure…mayweather please be a man in dealing with pacman…just shut up your big mouth and sign the contract if u really love the sport and the fans worlwide…period.
By spidernan_ian on Nov 23, 2009
Mayweather will make impossible demands just to make sure the fight will never happen because he is a dumb and coward fighter. He is afraid of b\pacman. He just fights smaller guys.
By Felix M. Largo on Nov 23, 2009
Manny by all means should received 60% of the pot. The popularity he is enjoying now is overwhelming. Opposite to Mayweather who is loosing fans and becoming unpopular in the media. His ego and arrogance is killing the respect of the boxing fans. If he fights again with anyone except for Mosley and Margarito, I don’t think he can get a million PPV audience again. This time whoever Manny fights a million PPV is doable.
By Rolly Marcelo on Nov 23, 2009
MONGOFLOYD HAS NOT PROVEN ANYTHING IN THE SPORT TO BE WORTHY OF A SHOT AT MANNY PACQUIAO, THE LEGEND….IF HE CAN BEAT MOSLEY AND COTTO…JUST MAYBE PACQUIAO CAN GIVE HIM A SHOT..MAYBE AT 80/20 OF THE PURSE…OTHERWISE HE CAN GO ON HIS USUAL CAREER PATH AND FIGHT CALDERON, DARCHINYAN, AND PROBABLY ANA JULATON THE WOMEN’S BOXING CHAMP….ON 2ND THOUGHT MONGOFLOYD WOULDNT WANT TO MESS WITH ANA..SHE’S ALSO FROM THE PHILIPPINES…MONGOFLOYD TURNS FROM BLACK TO YELLOW WHEN HE HEARS THE COUNTRY OF THE PHILIPPINES…WHICH ACCORDING TO HIM AND HIS FATHER, THE BEST, AND MOST SOPHISTICATED SOURCE OF THE ‘SUBSTAMS’ OR DRUG ENHANCEMENT…HAHAHA…RUN MONGOFLOYD RUN….
For Mayweather’s sake, he must not fight Manny. Otherwise, he will suffer a dislocated shoulder. Pacquiao will bombard his defense with left and right anti-matter power punches that could cripple the alleged “Money” man. Please, Floyd, keep your unbeaten record, DON’T FIGHT PACQUIAO!
Have you read what Roach just sain in one of his interview? Mayweather’s defense is not that great… when Mayweather tries to avoid a punch, he simply raised his shoulder, leaving his body open…
SO GUYS WATCH OUT FOR A TREE THAT WILL BE CHOP DOWN… IF THE FIGHT BETWEEN THE SELF PROCLAIMED BEST(DUCKER) FIGHT WITH THE REAL POUND FOR POUND KING TAKES PLACE!
PAQUIAO=Pound For Pound King………………….Mayweather=maybe 2nd P4P
PAQUIAO=WBO Welterweight Champion and IBO Junior Welterweight Champion…..Mayweather=None or champion of ducking best boxers
PAQUIAO=Time Magazine Asia………Mayweather=newspaper
PAQUIAO=he is now on the boxing history and compared to Ali,Leonard,Hagler, Tyson and so on……………………….Mayweather= Donald Duck, Ugly Duckling and so on
PAQUIAO=One of the Time Most Influential People in the world…………..Mayweather=I Don’t Know
PAQUIAO= People’s Choice……………. Mayweather=?????????????????
Paquiao’s achievements are incomparable as of now. He always makes people enjoy and excitement in his fights. Lot of actions until the end. People are satisfied what they saw during the fight even the price at the MGM or the PPV is high…they are not regretting it. BUT WHY MAYWEATHER is always wanting a 60-40 on his favor. BECAUSE this is the only way to DUCK PAQUIAO.
SOMEDAY WHEN WE TATS
(by Manny Pacquiao)
They asked you if you’ll fight me
And you choked on your reply
I’d rather Arum deal with you
Than mislead you with a lie
And who am I to judge you,
On what you say or do
The fans are now beginning
To see the real you…
And someday when we tats
My LEFT will be too much
That you have to close your eyes
Where do you hide?
I wanna pound you til you’re white
‘Til your face breaks down and cry
I wanna beat you
‘Til you dream and say, goodnight.
You think you are a strategist
That you can insult my pride
But through your insecurities
You’re ZERO loss seemed right
You’re just another fighter
So far from what is true
An overrated boxer
Who never gives his due
And someday when we tats
My RIGHT will be too much
That you have to close your eyes
Where do you hide?
I wanna pound you til you’re white
‘Til your face breaks down and cry
I wanna beat you
‘Til you dream and say, goodnight.
So before Pacquiao became the face of boxing, why wasn’t there a star to carry the sport to the masses in the early part of the twenty-first century?
Well there was. After the Hatton fight, it was Mayweather’s time to carry the sport and assume the role as boxing’s superstar and he didn’t step up. Unlike Floyd, Manny has lived up to his super-star billing and has represented the sport in an honorable fashion by fighting the best, putting on exciting performances, and acting with dignity and humbleness in a way that seems genuine.
And I have been Mayweather guy the entire way and have rated him as the best fighter in the world since Roy Jones struggled with Tarver in their first fight in the fall of 2003 and still favor him over Pacquiao, but the bottom line is Mayweather never embraced the responsibility associated with being the symbol of the sport like Manny Pacquiao has.
By johntor on Nov 23, 2009
If the Welterweight belt will be on the line it should be 50/30 (Pacquiao) and winner will get the remaining 20. If there will be no belt on the line it should be 40/40 and the remaining 20 will be for the winner. Also since Our Manny Pacquiao is already the WBO champion if belt will be on the line there should be no catch weight, let Mayweather be at 147 lbs if he wants to. But if he exceeds 147 lbs then there should be a penalty of 5 million dollars. So as Mayweather will not make another ducking attempt on Pacquiao. Also there will be no fight at all since Pacquiao already said the he can only fight at the Welterweight division. Of course the diamond belt will not be put on the line since WBC exclusively made it for the “Catch weight” category. Regards to all.
By Ver on Nov 23, 2009
I agree of 40/40 split sharing & the remaining
20% will go to the winner, this is the best deal that this two great figther can have, if any one of them reject or dis agree on this offer then we can tell who really the coward one is…honestly i was a fan of paquaio because of his manner & attitude being on the top of stardome status his still a very down to earth person, unlike mayweather although a classy & talented one his a very arrogant a self best proclaimer,, I a agree that the best fighter & pound for pound king should not be undefeated but rather undoubted…
By boy.waray on Nov 23, 2009
The feat of Manny fighting and winning against a heavier and a strong opponent in Miguel Cotto is a lot greater than Mayweather’s very predictable win against the cherry-picked Marquez. Money should be fightng a more credible opponent before he is given the privilege to face Manny.
What am i saying here? It is Mayweather who needs the fight more than Pacquiao, to prove himself to the public (having been known as a fighter who pads his resume by fighting easier opponent). Manny has already proven himself a lot times by carrying the sport of boxing to new heights in continuously surpassing himself and overcoming stiff oppositions. (considering the difference in weight class)
55-45 for manny is a fair split. However, just for the sake of boxing and getting the fight done to know who really is the best pound for pound in the world, a 50-50 split is just as good.
By demzz on Nov 23, 2009
if mayweather thought that he can easily beat pacman the best p4p of all time.now is the best time for him to step up to the plates and ask pacman for a winner takes all. even both ppv share should be taken home by the winner.now its not only 65/35 share in your favor,but you’re also going to take everything w/ u, since you said that u can easily beat pacman and he is an easy fight for u,it was heard and read by people around the world who loved boxing. he,he,he.we saw on tv that he chalenged you to fight him, step up to the plates now coward.let me tell u this, theres no way u can beat pacman,you,your dad and ellerbe are dellusional, you now what? when you fight pacman i will feel sorry for you.for u will only last 4 rounds,but look twice more beaten up than poor cotto. ps.you will retire in disgraced.
By Dr.del 1 on Nov 23, 2009
1) hey GERDEAS, what a great idea!
for example :
channel 501 for pacquaio
channel 504 for mayweather
and their respective corresponding percentages will then be based on/taken from the number of subscribers to the pay-per-view fight of each fighter’s (assigned) respective channel
2) that way each fighter’s slice of the pie is DIRECTLY proportional to the number of viewers that each brings to the fight; hence, each fighter’s “history” (of satisfying the viewing public with their past performances) will also be rewarded accordingly.
3) let mayweather respond to this proposal! as he has always insisted/maintained that he is the major draw.
gerdeas, again, what a great idea!
By juniedv on Nov 23, 2009
Manny deserves the 60-40 split. He will just give some money to mayweather for his hospitalization of broken shoulder hahaha…
By dannyboy on Nov 23, 2009
mayweather cannot beat a boxer like manny whose motto is more Christian, “It’s better to give than to receive”.
By dodong on Nov 23, 2009
Mayweather should agree to the terms of Top Rank because they have the guy on top right now. Mayweather is a PPV attraction but he holds no title. Pacquiao on the other hand is also a PPV attraction and holds the title of WBO welterweight division and the P4P title. When these guys fight the title on line will probably the P4P title which Pacquiao holds. This should give Pacquiao higher leverage in the negotiations.
By eric brun on Nov 23, 2009
I tnink for the best things to both fighter in term of money sharing is 50 / 40 in favor for Pacquiao.And the 10% will goes to the winner. To make it the fight will be happen and Mayweather will sign the contract soon. There’s no disadvantage or advantage in this scenario.Mayweather must be accept this sharing proposal.
By Larry G. on Nov 23, 2009
Reading Floyd’s thoughts: (Prediction)
1. Too much risk to fight Pacman.
2. Though I ducked fighting Coto, now I should fight Coto. I can beat him better than Pacman. (He will be convinced by his advisers that he can beat the more damaged Cotog. I can now make viewers believe I am a better fighter against Coto. Just like when I fought Martinez I did better. PPV may not be as high but I will make good enough Millions and will buy me time building my confidence fighting Pacman.
3. My win against Coto:
(a) delays fight against Pacman but will only improve PPV. (b) I will beat Coto. (c). Purse split at 65/35. Coto will be happy to accept. Coto will again make a good deal amount of money and hopes he can recover his reputation. Of course I will say “It is impossible Coto to beat me”. (d) As a result of beating Coto, will give me more leverage whether to fight Pacman or not.
4. Pacman will fight Mosley.
5. Floyd Sr will predict Pacman will lose. Music to the ears of Jr.
6. Jr care less if Pacman beat Mosley. He’ll say, “He is only helping increase already gaining boxing sport momentum”.
7. In the meantime boxing fans can wait. Fans will never know I am ducking Pacman.
8. The truth: Floyd will duck again, and again and again. The farther his fight against Pacman gets, his already shrunken balls will even get smaller if they have not vanished yet.
9. Sorry boxing fans, Pacman-Mayweather aint happenning.
By Dan P.Noy on Nov 23, 2009
I think everyone was tired of discussing about gayweather watery mouth. to shut him off is not to fight him, anyway he has no belt and he is just a plain boxer today. he is king BEFORE NOT NOW, ITS PACMAN
By jose on Nov 24, 2009
” if u want to be elite fighter then beat an elite fighter” once said by one of the commentators of the barrera vs pacquiaoI referring to pacquiao. now, i will say “pacquiao beat the great fighter (Mayweather) to be an all time great!” GO GO GO PACQUIAO!
By bamboo3663 on Nov 24, 2009
this circus fiasco negotiation will end up clowngayweather ducking pacman, the fact that clowngayweather ducks mosley,margarito,cotto before, what more pacquiao, after what he did to cotto, in the end of the day same old story DUCKLING GAYWEATHER.
By danben19 on Nov 24, 2009
manny (PACMAN) pacquiao 6040 …Floyd Mayweather is the Challenger…
By Greg on Nov 24, 2009
55/45 i would say is fair deal for pacman,after all he is the one holding the WELTERWEIGHT TITLE right now which should be his leverage as against other factors involved even though , manny still has the edge over pbf.
By ray v. on Nov 24, 2009
WELL FOR THE IFNROMATION OF D BOXING FANS MY COUSIN FLOYD GAYWEATHER OR LIL FRAUD OR THE BEST DUCKERS IS AFRAID OF LOSSING HIS ZERO RECORD TO THE FILIPINO SPIFIRE. MY APOLOGY
By cousin of mayweather on Nov 24, 2009
SORRY MY GRAMMAR IS NOT REALLY GOOD WE MAYWEATHER FAMILY ARE ILLITERATE. WE DONT WANT TO FINISH ELEMENTARY AND HIG SCHOOL. UNCLE ROGER ALSO DOES NOT EVEN KNOW THE MEANING OF ILLITERATE. UNCLE MAYWEATHER SENIOR DOES NOT EVEN ENTER ELMENTARY THAT IS WHY WE DONT KNOW STEROIDS HE ONLY KNOWS SHABU AND MARIJUANA AND COCAINE. LIL FLOYD ALSO DOES NOT EVEN FINISH HIGH SCHOOL THAT IS WHY HE WANTS TO TALK AND TALK WITHOUT BASIS MY APOLOGY FOR OUR FAMILY PLEASE UNDERSTAND OUR CHARACTER!!!
By cousin of mayweather on Nov 24, 2009
MY APOLOGY TO THE BOXING FANS PLEASE UNDERSTAND OUR CHARACTER! WE JUST WANT PUBLICTY FOR THE SAKE OK FAMILY NAME TO BE REMEMBER LIKE TAKING ILLEGAL DRUGS , BATTERING WOMEN, ACCUSING SOMEONE WITHOUT BASIS. AND MANY OTHER CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES. MY APOLOGY MY APOLOGY TO THE BOXING FANS PLEASE UNDERSTAND US MAYWEATHER FAMILY!!!
By cousin of mayweather on Nov 24, 2009
Mayweather should accept the 50/50 split. It would be fair enough to make it 40/40 and the 20% should go the the winner.
By Pacquiao vs Mayweather on Nov 25, 2009
the fans should speak louder and boycott the fight if either boxer fight another one… their next fight should be between them…
however its easy to boycott a boring fight but not an exciting one…
By McDorell on Nov 26, 2009
Its fair to have a 50/50 split. Pacquiao the greatest fighter of this generation. Mayweather might be unbeatable as of the moment but his a boring fighter.
By Mayweather vs Pacquiao on Dec 9, 2009
There should be safety claws about the excess eight and audience dissatissfaction.If there is no 3 knock down rule it is for the referee and ring physician to stop the fight.Very loud audience dissatisfaction in conformity with the judges should have some sort of appeasement during the fight.Maybe points deduction.It will calm down the temperature in the audience. Mayweather should be more engaging specially that fight is a big big fight and ten thousands of entertainment seeking paying public will be watching inside the venue
By Mayweather vs Pacquiao on May 8, 2010
What is freddie roach disease again? Is he brain damaged?
By Marcelino Mysliwiec on Oct 7, 2010
He has Parkinson’s, like Michael J. Fox.
By Jimmy Shapiro on Oct 8, 2010