As the great boxing trainer Freddie Roach gets Manny Pacquiao prepared for his fight on December 6 against Oscar De La Hoya, he has an interesting incentive for Pacquiao's sparring partners: Knock him down and get some cold, hard cash. "I don't hire sparring partners, I hire real fighters -- contenders who can really push Manny," Roach said on HBO's 24/7 show. "Sparring in my gym is not play. ... It's pretty much a fight, the only rule is if you hurt somebody you don't finish them. ... Sparring partners have a job to do, and the thing is, if they knock Manny down, they get a $1,000 bonus."
Roach says his biggest concern heading into the fight is De La Hoya's jab, so that's what the sparring partners are working. So far, none of Pacquiao's sparring partners (including Amir Khan) have been able to collect that $1,000 bonus. But with cash on the line, you can bet they're trying.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-25-2008 @ 7:53PM
zulu said...
I don't think the sparring partners are going all out. Seriously, there's an unsaid rule that sparring partners are supposed to workout the fighter but get hit in the process so the fighter can test combos.
I'm not saying they're laying down for Manny, but I dont think they are really trying to tag him since a cut or injury in sparring (even with headgear) can ruin the upcoming fight.
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11-25-2008 @ 8:51PM
Chris said...
I think it's the other way around.
Pac gets $1,000 if he knocks down his sparring partners.
Lest we forget, Roach initially told Pac's sparmates to be careful in hitting Pac and to always consider him as flyweight.
I'm a Pac fan but i doubt it if Pac could pull it off this December 6. I think Oscar's size advantage is just too big to ignore. I'd be very glad if Pac wins though.
We can always pray.
"Give us this day: 12.6.2008"
NIKE's famous line: click the link below
http://nike.com.ph/giveusthisday/?ref=phlanding&sitesrc=phlanding
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11-25-2008 @ 9:15PM
pranzer said...
What Roach is saying about the 1000-dollar incentive of Pacquiao's sparring partners is pure hype and meant to entice boxing fans to get interested in the fight. I am a Pacquiao fan but I find some of the comments of Roach on this match simply unacceptable and irrational. I agree with zulu that an injury or KD will simply put Pacquiao's chances in jeopardy physically and psychologically. His comments assumes sense if the fight is a sham and is simply a money-making enterprise meant to take advantage of the popularity of both fighters.
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11-25-2008 @ 9:28PM
emrson rey avila said...
very good freddie! thats why youre a great trainer. that will surely help the pacman. so if nobody collected the bonus, that means pacquiao is in the best shape. so golden boy better prepare! pacman will take your place soon as the most popular boxer!
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11-25-2008 @ 10:21PM
dante agorita said...
thats good mr roach ....
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11-25-2008 @ 11:25PM
Bokyo said...
That is the Best freakin Motivation I agree on Roach.. to be in WAR the figther should have a Real Training figth not just playing around it doesnt mean Negative to be tough Roach knows how tough Manny Pacquiao is as far as i know that is the best and very practical training for MP. He is the Man from "Dadiangas" immuned from the top violent world you cannot intimidate this Man Called the PACMAN.
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11-26-2008 @ 12:35AM
kyle said...
if u have gone sparring then u will know..there are times for simulation..there are times for all out....What roach said is true...
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11-26-2008 @ 1:18AM
juanito said...
Have you watched Vasquez and Pacquiao go at it when they were still sparmates? Sometimes, Pac's nose was bleeding due to an uppercut. Their sparring was realistic.
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11-26-2008 @ 8:16AM
Paclanders said...
Zulo and Pranzer why don't you try to KD Pacman?!!
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11-27-2008 @ 5:16PM
FREDERICK said...
Interesting. If that's the case with Pacman... is that also the same on the other side? I heard one sparmate of ODLH knocked down the Golden and was immediately sent home packing. If these sparmates would knockdown the pacman they might be sent home just like the Golden Boy did to his sparmate. Of course, I'm serious.
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