Fight Hub TV caught up with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach to discuss Manny Pacquiao's future, as well as the recent hubbub over a pair of Filipino doctors expressing concerns about Pacquiao's health.
Fight Hub TV: "You've talked to Manny. When can we realistically expect Manny back?"
Freddie Roach: "They're talking about an April fight in Macau right now. A tune-up fight with him and Marquez on the same show together against different opponents, and then they're talking about a September rematch that's being negotiated right now. Thing is, I don't really want a tune-up fight. I'd rather go straight into the fifth fight. I don't think a guy Pacquiao's level needs a tune-up fight. He's getting back on the horse. First thing he said to me after the fight was, 'We gotta do it one more time.'"
Fight Hub TV: "What was your favorite fight of this year?"
Freddie Roach: "I'll tell you what, the Pacquiao(-Marquez) fight was my favorite fight. Because Manny was fighting the best fight I've seen him fight in a long time. We got caught in that fight, but I still think it was a great performance, and I think that number five is going to be the biggest seller ever in boxing."
Fight Hub TV: "What are your thoughts on the Filipino doctors saying that Manny Pacquiao is showing early signs of Parkinson's?"
Freddie Roach: "I talked to Manny. He said he didn't even go see that doctor. He went right to Jerusalem from America, now he's in Hong Kong with his family. He's fine. He was checked out immensely by the doctors after the fight. No concussion. And he was as alert as possible after the fight. We played four games of chess and then watched the fight three times and saw the mistake we made. That's how you learn, though."
Fight Hub TV: "What did he say to you about the fight?"
Freddie Roach: "He said sorry. He was a little disappointed. If you don't think you can lose in this sport, you're crazy, he said."